February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
However, when United’s chief executive was made aware of the incendiary content of the interview, he ordered the recording to be disposed of but not before snatches had been leaked to the media.
Keane’s has engaged in psychological warfare with his colleagues in the past, but usually at the behest of manager Alex Ferguson who has been more than willing to let his captain puncture a few egos. But on this occasion, the former Ireland captain who recently announced his retirement from international soccer, appears to be just as much at loggerheads with Manchester United as with his teammates.
There have been no indications of late that 34-year-old Keane will be offered new terms when his contract expires next year, and his comments have been interpreted as criticism of the club that he believes he has served loyally.
“It seems to be in this club you have to play badly to be rewarded. Maybe that is what I should do when I come back — play badly,” he is reported to have said in the binned interview.
There was more ire reserved for his former international squad member, John O’Shea, who Keane said was “just strolling around when he should be busting a gut to get back. It’s not enough to play well for 20 minutes.”
Other United players such as Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher also came under attack, while Rio Ferdinand was slammed as an overpaid superstar. “Just because you’re paid