325-goal Keane hangs up boots
ROBBIE KEANE, the former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker, has announced his retirement.
The 38-year-old captained his country for a decade and scored 325 goals in 737 appearances for 10 different clubs during a 23-year playing career.
“After 23 wonderful years, I am formally announcing my retirement,” said Keane.
“From Crumlin United around the world to the likes of Milan, London and LA, I could never have imagined the path my football life would take. It has exceeded all the hopes I had as a football-mad boy growing up in Dublin.”
Keane played for Wolves, Tottenham, Inter Milan, Leeds, Liverpool and
LA Galaxy after arriving in England aged 15.
He is the Republic’s all-time leading scorer, scoring 68 goals in 146 games, retiring from international football in 2016. The Republic’s new manager Mick McCarthy appointed Keane as his assistant last week alongside Terry Connor following Martin O’Neill’s exit.
“Playing for and captaining my country has been the highlight of my career,” he said. “I enjoyed every moment.”
Keane arrived in England with Wolves in 1997, moving to Coventry for £6million after two seasons. Further moves followed, to Inter (£13m) and Leeds (£12m) before he spent six years at Tottenham.
“I had the great privilege to represent and captain Tottenham over 238 games. I had many wonderful times there and I will look back on my days at White Hart Lane with great fondness. The club will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.
Liverpool paid more than £20m to sign Keane in 2008 but he returned to Spurs six months later. Following loans at Celtic and West Ham, he joined LA Galaxy, where he spent five seasons.