Good news for Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of the friendly against England, Robbie Keane is now available for selection.
Yesterday, LA Galaxy had refused to release the Irish captain as the friendly did not fall within recognised FIFA international dates.
Breaking news:Robbie Keane has renegotiated with LA Galaxy, and will now be available for Ireland's game against England on May 29 #ENGIRL
— FAI (@FAIreland) May 22, 2013
Keane thanked Galaxy for "reconsidering their decision".
“I would like to thank LA Galaxy for reconsidering their decision after further conversations between us which really means a lot to me."
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 22, 2013
Keane concluded: "We have reached an agreement that will enable me to make it to the games and I look forward to playing my part".
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 22, 2013
Update:
Galaxy manager, Bruce Arena, has said that Keane was released so there would be parity between US internationals and internationals from other countries in terms of which games they would be available for.
From LAGalaxy.com:
“In reflecting over it, if we’re required to release U.S. players then how can we not allow other internationals to go? We’re allowing U.S. players to play in friendlies, then it creates an awkward situation, but it’s fair,” said Arena. “In all fairness, it’s the right thing to do. In reality, no player should be released: U.S. players or other internationals. We should adhere to FIFA rules.
“The league mandated that we release the players,” Arena later added “If our U.S. internationals are going for friendlies then others should. We’re on the same team here and it is not one rule for one and one for another.”
