2006 finals, Keane announced his international retirement.

At the time of his announcement Keane was injured, having broken a metatarsal bone in his foot in United's Premiership match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 18 September 2005. He was still out of action on Friday 19 November when a shock announcement to top them all was made.

Manchester United issued a statement through ManUtd.com declaring that Keane's Old Trafford career was over. The Reds had reached agreement with Keane to end his contract immediately, enabling him to join Celtic.

"Whilst it is a sad day for me to leave such a great

club and manager I believe the time has now come for me to move on," said Roy on the day of his departure.

In the same statement, Sir Alex Ferguson described Keane as "the best midfield player in the world of his generation" and "one of the great figures in our club's illustrious history."

Six months after joining Celtic and helping them secure the Scottish Premier League title and Scottish League Cup, Keane announced his retirement from professional football on 12 June 2006 following medical advice.

He was named manager of Sunderland in August 2006 and steered the Black Cats to the Championship title