|
|
Legend Keane announces retirement
Keane spent 12-and-a-half years at Manchester United
Celtic midfielder Roy Keane has retired from professional football because of a long-standing hip injury.
The 34-year-old only joined Celtic in January from Manchester United, but he has decided to quit after receiving medical advice on his hip problem.
Keane said: "Having received advice from my surgeon and the Celtic doctor, my only option is to retire."
The Republic of Ireland star enjoyed a stellar career at United, winning seven league titles and three FA Cups.
In a statement, Keane added: "I would like to send the manager, staff, the players and the supporters of Celtic football club best wishes for the future."
Keane joined United from Nottingham Forest for a then British record £3.75m in 1993 but had a long-standing desire to play for Celtic. We were delighted to make Roy's dream come true when we signed him for Celtic
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: "Roy Keane is one of the greatest-ever players to grace the game of football.
"It was fantastic that we were able to bring him to Celtic and it has been a privilege to work with him. "Even in his short time with the club, Roy made a great contribution and played an important part in bringing success to the club last season.
"We were delighted to make Roy's dream come true when we signed him for Celtic and we were happy when he made our dream come true by helping us to win the title.
"While we would have very much liked Roy to continue for the remainder of his contract, everyone at the club fully understands and respects the decision which he has made. "Roy's retirement will be a loss to Celtic and, of course, a loss to football in general.
"We would all like to wish Roy and his family all the best for the future. Roy will always be welcome at Celtic Park."
However, Keane's decision adds to the uncertainty over the Scottish champions' midfield.
There is also a question mark about the future of Keane's fellow midfielder, Neil Lennon, with whom contract talks have dragged on into the summer.
Stilian Petrov has asked for a transfer, while Shunsuke Nakamura has voiced his desire to move to Spain.
And Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "Despite losing Roy, our supporters can rest assured that we are working hard to strengthen the squad for next season to face the domestic and Champions League challenges which lie ahead."
SOURCE: BBC |
|
IP卡
狗仔卡
發表於 2006-6-12 18:50:28
提升卡
置頂卡
沉默卡
喧囂卡
變色å¡
顯身å¡
發表於 2006-6-12 23:54:24