Robbie Keane turns down Middlesbrough job, opting to stay with Ferencvaros

Boro sacked former Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick on Wednesday. 

Ferencváros head coach Robbie Keane and assistant manager Rory Delap during his side's game against ETO Gyor. Pic: INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic

Robbie Keane has rejected an offer to become Middlesbrough job, choosing to stay loyal to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.

Boro are on the lookout for a new boss – where the Ireland legend previously worked for a year as assistant to Jonathan Woodgate – after parting ways on Wednesday with Keane’s friend Michael Carrick.

The 44-year-old has enjoyed a stellar start to his coaching career, following up his Israeli league success with Maccabi Tel Aviv in his first job with another in Hungary.

He accepted the job in Budapest in January, leading Fradi to their seventh successive title only a fortnight ago.

Keane’s rising stock convinced Boro owner Steve Gibson to target Ireland’s record goalscorer but they must expand their search after Keane declined the opportunity.

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