Roy

Roy Keane, BBC website

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"The best midfielder of his generation"..."walked out on his country"...To say opinion is divided on Roy Keane , who announced his retirement this week, would be an understatement.Some have never forgiven him for departing the World Cup in Saipan in 2002 as manager Mick McCarthy sent him home.My own view is that Keane behaved badly on that occasion but he was correct in the substance of what he said about poor preparation.McCarthy should have disciplined him, taken him aside, sorted it and ensured that Ireland's best player was on the field.That's what managing is about, right ?

Keane was one of the few who went there to play as if Ireland could win the tournament, and however silly that sounds , it was that attitude that has brought him 10 domestic trophies in Britain.

His fierce competitive streak, driving runs, vision, allied to skill and committment, led Alex Ferguson to state that he was the best to have played for him.His absence from the United team has seen a decline.

Cork is proud of Roy Keane who, despite his faults, brought glory to Manchester United and led Ireland with distinction.He will be missed.