MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane is renowned for being one of the toughest players in Premier League history.
But he once showed his emotional side when complimenting friend and colleague Ian Wright live on TV.
Back in February 2022, ITV broadcast an interview with then-Boreham Wood striker Adrian Clifton during its coverage of the FA Cup fourth round.
Clifton had been mentored by Wright for 13 years after they met while filming ‘Football Behind Bars'.
Having served time in a young offender's institution, the forward accepted guidance from the Arsenal legend to make his own way in football.
The duo reunited three years ago, just before Boreham Wood's FA Cup clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
And after watching the footage live on TV while working as a pundit with Wright, Keane became visibly emotional.
Reaching over and touching the knee of his colleague, the United icon said: “Brilliant, very powerful. Great story, well done, Wrighty.
“You gave him a bit of hope. Brilliant stuff. Absolutely brilliant.”
Former Premier League hardman Keane has built a reputation for himself over the years with his no-nonsense approach on and off the pitch.
Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursdayplus
in-depth coverage and exclusivesfrom Old Trafford
However, this week he admitted that he became emotional after winning a prestigious award.
The 53-year-oldwas named Pundit of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awardson Monday.
In the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you bySky Bet, he said it was “nice to be recognised” for his work.
Keane explained: “I feel quite emotional at winning the Pundit of the Year award at the Sports Journalists’ Association Awards.
“It’s nice being recognised but I don’t have the ego about wanting to win the award – it’s all about working as a team and we’re a team on the podcast, and I’m also part of a team at Sky Sports.”
