Roy Keane, born on 10th August 1971 in the Republic of Ireland, commanded the midfield primarily in a central defensive role. His physical attributes, standing at 5ft 10in (1.8m) and tipping the scales at 11st 13lb (76kg), helped him excel in this demanding position.
Keane began his senior career at Cobh Ramblers in July 1989. In June 1990, he made a significant leap, transferring to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League for a fee around £10k. His debut season saw him making a remarkable 35 appearances and netting eight goals. This impressive trend continued with 39 appearances and eight goals in the following season, and 40 appearances with six goals in the subsequent 1992-93 campaign.
In July 1993, Keane transferred to Manchester United, once again plying his trade in the English Premier League. This time, the fee was substantially higher, at around £3.8m. Over a commendable performance-studded career at The Red Devils, Keane made significant contributions, notably in the seasons 1996-97 and 1998-99, where he made considerable appearances and scored two goals in each. His stint at Manchester United spanned over a fulfilling period of 12 years until 2005, during which he made a solid impact on the team's success.
In December 2005, Keane made a move north to Scotland, joining the Celtic FC ranks in the Scottish Premiership. It was at Celtic that he ended his outstanding football career. Although his stint at Celtic was relatively short, it was notable. He displayed the same ferocity and dedication on the field, making ten appearances and scoring one goal in the 2005-2006 season.
Keane finally hung up his boots in June 2006, leaving behind a legacy that underscored his reputation as a tenacious and committed central defender. His career, spanning nearly two decades, continues to inspire footballers around the globe.
