Roy Keane has previously revealed his future intentions beyond professional football and aspects of the role that he dislikes. The Manchester United icon is one of football’s most outspoken analysts and is renowned for his unflinching and direct commentary. Mr Keene, whose mother Marie tragically passed away this week, moved into broadcasting after working in a variety of roles, including management and coaching, but has no plans to stay in the industry forever.
The 54-year-old, who lives on a mansion in Greater Manchester, may not even be able to stay in the UK. In 2024, while appearing on the Overlap On Tour with Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher, he said: “I think in the next few years I’m going to move overseas…I’m going to put it out there.”
When asked about his preferred destination, Carragher replied: “You know, Switzerland? Switzerland is beautiful.”
Keane also cited the downsides of working in television, including the “frustration of fans” at match venues. He said he could not imagine continuing this profession into his 60s.
He elaborated further: “I don’t think I’ll be working as a pundit in 10 years. I love football, but the hassle of the games, going to the games, and the fans…
“For better or worse, people who scream your name are annoying. They won’t be a critic in 10 years.
“A few months ago, I got headbutted by someone in court. Do you think I enjoy that aspect of it? Absolutely not.”
Keane was referring to the incident in which Scott Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, was found guilty of assault after Arsenal’s win over United in September 2024. Keane was covering the match for Sky Sports.
Law was given a three-year football ban and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also asked to pay court costs of £650 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Now, Keene plans to focus on issues closer to home in the wake of his mother’s death.
A statement from her family on Friday said she had “passed away peacefully” at Marymount Hospice in Cork “surrounded by her loved ones”.
Keene was devoted to his mother and returned home frequently to visit her. He once posted a photo of the two of them on a visit and joked that she was “the only boss who listens to him.”
