LA Galaxy favourite announces retirement from professional football
LA Galaxy great Robbie Keane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38. The former Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a well-travelled career, which saw him feature for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, and Galaxy, and he has down brought curtains to his playing days to step into coaching.
“From Crumlin United around the world to the likes of Milan, London, and Los Angeles, 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,” said Keane in a statement. “I was a street footballer full of hope armed with huge ambitions and a determination to succeed. All I needed was that one chance.”
Meanwhile, Keane confirmed that he would be joining the coaching staff under new Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy and he is enthusiastic with the task of contributing towards the betterment of football in his home country, he added: “With the closing of one chapter comes an exciting new adventure. I am incredibly proud, honoured and excited to now be working alongside Mick McCarthy, Terry Connor and the Irish international team over the next number of years. This is a role I have massive passion, energy, and enthusiasm for and I hope to use my experiences to contribute towards a bright future in Irish football.”
“Keane started off his professional playing career at Wolverhampton Wanderers“ and he thereafter made the switch to Coventry City before making the big step to Inter Milan in 2000. However, he could not impress sufficiently at the big stage and after half a season, he made the top-flight comeback with Leeds United, “who had just reached“ the semi-final of the Champions League.
However, his stay would only until the summer of 2002 amid Leeds’ financial constraints and the move to Tottenham essentially built his reputation as a top-class striker. Thereafter, Keane spent time with many different clubs including an unsuccessful stint with Liverpool but he managed to end his career on a high towards the end after contributing towards three MLS Cup wins for Galaxy. His final hurrah in the game came in the Indian Super League with Atletico de Kolkata for whom he managed 11 appearances, scoring eight goals in the process.