KEANE’S CAREER
From Wolves’ teen star to a player-manager in India
August 1997: After signing for Wolves a year previously, the Dubliner marks his first-team debut with a brace against Norwich.
March 1998: Four months after his Ireland debut against the Czech Republic, Keane is part of Brian Kerr’s U-18 side that wins the European Championships in Cyprus.
October 1998: Keane scores his first Irish goals in the thrashing of Malta.
August 1999: Coventry break their transfer record for a teenager to sign Keane for £6m.
July 2000: Inter Milan splash out £13m to bring ‘Baby Irish’ to Italy in a stunning deal. But it fails to work out.
May 2001: After an initial loan period went well, Keane moved to Leeds on a full-time basis with David O’Leary securing a £12m move.
June 2002: Keane takes the World Cup by storm with vital goals against Germany and Spain in a tournament where he is Ireland’s top scorer.
August 2002: Cashstrapped Leeds sell Keane to Spurs for £7m and it turns out to be a value deal as he makes a massive impact.
March 2006: Appointed Ireland captain after the arrival of new manager Steve Staunton.
July 2008: He joins Liverpool for £19m following a brilliant run of form where he shone next to Dimitar Berbatov and hit the 100 goal Premier League mark. It was flagged as a dream deal for Keane, a chance to make the grade at the club he supported as a child. Unfortunately, it quickly turned sour, with Rafa Benitez seemingly uncertain.
February 2009: Moved back to London after his unhappy Liverpool
stint but things didn’t work out as well under Harry Redknapp.
November 2009: Scores a vital goal for Ireland in Paris but misses out on a World Cup return due to the Thierry Henry handball controversy.
February 2010: Makes a move on loan to Celtic for the remainder of the Scottish season as he is out of favour in London.
August 2011: After an unremarkable loan spell with West Ham earlier in the year, he makes a big break by going to America and signing for LA Galaxy where he is still regarded as one of the greatest imports of MLS history – winning three MLS Cups during his stay.
November 2011: His brace in Estonia (below) helps Ireland towards the Euros in Poland, but the tournament itself does not work out well – even though he prepares with a loan spell at Aston Villa.
October 2015: He’s retained as Irish captain under Martin O’Neill but is dropped to bench for the qualifier with Germany with firstchoice status now under threat.
June 2016: Travels to the Euros in France but only makes a handful of sub appearances and it’s confirmed in August that is retiring from international game.
August 2016: Scores in his farewell Ireland match to bring his career tally to 68 goals in 146 appearances moving level with Gerd Muller’s Germany tally.
August 2017: Completes move to Indian side ATK and finishes the short season there as player-manager.
November 2018: Announced as a member of Mick McCarthy’s backroom staff and confirms retirement from football.