In reference to John Terry’s notorious antics with the Champions League trophy, Roy Keane seemed to be taking a dig at the Chelsea legend.
Keane was talking about the 1999 Manchester United vs Bayern Munich Champions League final with Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s late strikes gave United a thrilling 2-1 victory.
However, due to a suspension he received in the semifinals, club captain Keane was not in the lineup and on the field to accept the big prize.
In retrospect, Neville believes Keane should have received the honour instead of Peter Schmeichel.
He said on Stick to Football, in association with SkyBet: “When I look back now, you should have lifted the trophy really first time that night. On the pitch.”
Keane replied: “Nah, I don’t agree with that.”
Neville then said: “Come on with your kit on.”
Keane responded: “With shin pads on? No, no, no I don’t agree with that.
“I’m not against other people doing it, I know the rules have changed now I think you can be suspended…
“But at the time, I think I would have been really embarrassed, I would have been cringing.”
Without naming the Chelsea legend, Keane fired shots at Terry. The centre-back was suspended for Chelsea’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012.
He was sent off in the semifinal against Barcelona and had to watch the final from the stands, as his team beat Bayern on penalties.
However, Terry participated in the on-field celebrations and, while wearing a complete kit, raised Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League trophy.
The former England captain has been the target of jokes and memes for years, but he has disclosed the motivation for his actions.
Terry said on SoccerAM: “I don’t know why people got so carried away with it.
“There were four or five other players in the same situation, it wasn’t just me!
“But because people don’t like me as much I got a bit more stick. It actually came from Uefa.
“In previous years they’d had players in suits but this time they wanted everyone in a kit.
“Not too many people know that. But no doubt about it, I was on early doors with my kit.”
Keane’s comment will not go down well with Terry but that is how the former Man United captain is. He is always straight forward, speaking his mind and speaks without a filter.
He was one of the best leaders United had in the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson. The way Keane kept the dressing room together, inspired the younger players and fought for the club is something that is desperately needed at the club today.
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