Been there, done that: Keane has backed Bridge's
decision to say no to England
Roy Keane has backed Wayne Bridge’s decision to quit
England and claimed: ‘International football is no longer the
pinnacle for players.’
The former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain
believes today’s stars are more interested in perks than caps.
Ipswich manager Keane said: ‘The pinnacle now is getting the big
contract, the Bentley and the blonde.’
Keane famously stormed out of the Republic of Ireland squad on
the eve of the World Cup finals in the Far East eight years ago
after a bust-up with boss Mick McCarthy.
He admitted: ‘I have some identity with players who aren’t happy
with the set-up.
‘The easiest thing would be to do what everyone is telling you
to do and just sit there with your mouth shut.
‘They will say “Keep your head down, say nothing and keep the
peace”. Do I sound like a man of experience?
Prime example: Manchester City star Stephen Ireland
reinforces Keane's point
‘But if you’re not happy you’re not going to perform to
the best of your ability and ultimately you will let your
team-mates down.’
Keane recalled his own dramatic walk-out and insisted players
have to be content with their surroundings in order to perform at
their best.
He went on: ‘The most important thing for any footballer is what
goes on between the ears and people tend to forget that.
‘Do you want to go away for six weeks with other players you are
not comfortable with and who are maybe showing you a lack of
respect?
‘In my case it was the principle of working with people who
questioned me and I said “I’m not putting up with it” — simple as
that.
‘It chipped away at me. People say “Go with the flow” but you
know what goes with the flow? Dead fish.
‘A player’s mindset is sometimes more important than winning the
World Cup. You might think that’s crazy but if a player is not
happy I would call it a brave decision to pull out.’
Keane is adamant Bridge’s withdrawal will not weaken Fabio
Capello’s chances of
lifting the famous trophy in South Africa.
He added: ‘Let’s not kid ourselves — England are not short of
left backs.’
What's going on: Ipswich boss Roy Keane has lambasted
modern day footballers
