There were plenty of secret winks and nods aboard a flight home from Paris a few months back as 'enemies' Roy Keane and Alex Ferguson found themselves seated near each other but alas no sparks flew and the popcorn observers were left unsatisfied.
However - speaking a Guide Dogs for the Blind event yesterday - Keane has revealed that he did consider saying something to Fergie but thought better of it:
I spotted him. He was with his wife and I thought, ‘Ah, I’ll leave him to it.'
What would he have said to him? Unfortunately, he wouldn't tell the audience last night: 'It’s a small world. Is there any kids here? I better not say what crossed my mind.'
Despite the aforementioned tongue-in-cheek comment, it seems Keane may be softening a little towards his former boss, as went on to say:
When you’re in a sporting environment and trying to win football matches and there’s a lot of pressure, even when I was a manager, I liked people to fall out with each other.
The fact I have disagreements with Ferguson, ex-team-mates. To me that’s the most natural thing in the world. I get worried if I don’t fall out with people every few months.
That's certainly a strange way of looking at it but whatever floats your boat.
Meanwhile, on a much more serious topic, Keane discussed how he's fearful over the current state of Irish football, given the aging squad:
Our last game against Poland, Robbie's up front and Robbie's 34. John O'Shea at centre-half, he's 34. Shay was in goal and I think he's about 64.
You can watch the full video here:
hat-tip: Irish Independent