Shay Given has revealed that Republic of Ireland’s assistant manager Roy Keane sent him a really touching message via text after he announced his retirement from international football.
Given, regarded by many Irish supporters as the country’s greatest ever goalkeeper, decided to hang up his gloves following EURO 2016 in France.
The Stoke City player made 134 caps for his county in a glittering career, and represented Ireland at three major tournaments in 2002, 2012 and 2016 – although he was unused substitute in France.
Given also revealed he was coaxed out of retirement by Keane, when the former Manchester United captain was assistant to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa.
In an interview with RTE Radio One, Given was asked was he close to Roy Keane, “Close as you can be, Roy is an interesting character.
“Roy is the reason why I got back involved.
“I retired after the Euro’s in 2012 and Roy was the assistant at Aston Villa and he could see every day in training that I had something to offer.
“He had a big influence on me coming back to the Irish set up and I’m thankful for that, and obviously getting into Martin O’Neill’s ear and bringing me back.
“I text him last week over my retirement and he sent me back a really touching message and very kind words he said to me.
“People always talk about his attitude or whatever likes he’s unapproachable and stuff but inside the camp with the lads over the last few years, he’s been brilliant.”
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