Roy Keane may have been one of football’s toughest personalities during his playing days, but a rare wave of emotion hit him during a recent podcast appearance
Ian Wright displayed his comforting side after Roy Keane was blind-sided by a wave of emotion, after looking at an old photograph of his parents. The Manchester United legend struggled to hold back the tears as he showed a picture of his mother and father at the old Wembley Stadium to Jill Scott, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Wright during a recent podcast appearance.
Keane’s father Maurice passed away at the age of 79 years old in August 2019, after suffering a stroke towards the end of 2018. For many football fans, it would have been the first time they saw Keane’s emotions get the better of him.
What would have been less shocking was the sight of Wright immediately comforting the Irishman. The Arsenal legend, who has a long track record of kind gestures, displayed his caring and sympathetic side.
READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Gianluigi Donnarumma talks underway as Jadon Sancho issue emergesREAD MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Ruben Amorim comes up with new plan as midfielder reveals stance on exit
On the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Keane showed the photograph to his colleagues. As he did, the ex-United skipper said: “You’re on about photos, look at that there.
“You’re on about family, the ups and downs of football. But when you see your family at Wembley after you’ve won a big game…”
When Neville took the photograph from the Irishman, Keane could be seen reaching over to Wright, before tapping his leg. The former Gunner then turned towards him and put his hand on his shoulder, while Keane tried to hold back the tears.
Wright then said “it’s a good one” and “that’s beautiful” before asking for the photo back, so he could take another look at it with Keane.
After seeing Keane’s emotions, Scott said: “That’s why photographs are so good to keep aren’t they? Like, some people have the photographs instead of [having them] on their phone.”
Keane then revealed another picture of himself as a youngster and said: “I’m in a United top there but that is my brother’s. I think the Spurs one was sold out,” before saying he would have been 13 years old at the time.
The emotional moment was not the only time the pundits, who often find themselves having heated debates with each other, took a trip down memory lane. The ex-players all brought in copies of old contracts they signed during their early days in the game.
He displayed a four-year deal he signed in his early days playing for United, which saw him earn £1million a year. There was also a clause which stated the club would supplement some flights from Manchester to his home Cork.
Reading out that part of his deal, he said: “The club will provide 20 return flights Manchester/Cork/Manchester for the use of the player, his partner and children for each year of this contract commencing from 1 July 2002.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
