Roy Keane shares true thoughts on Andy Murray retirement – ‘It isn’t sad at all’
Former Man United star Roy Keane has claimed that Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farwell “isn’t sad news at all.” The ex-midfield general has weighed in on the occasion that saw tennis legend Murray receive a grand good-bye from The All England Club.
A video montage with greats from the tennis world accompanied Sue Barker in sending off Murray from the tournament in style, and former Republic of Ireland captain Keane has said that Murray should “count his blessings that he’s had such a successful career.”
The two-time Wimbledon champion will play at the Olympic Games later this month before calling time on his pro career for good. Keane believes, although the occasion has a tinge of sadness, It’s actually “good news” that the Soctsman is retiring with such a successful career behind him.
Talking about the ceremony on the Stick to Football podcast, the ex-United captain claimed that the Olympic champions should be happy he’s managed to have the career he had given the amount of injuries he’s had to deal with.
“Andy Murray retiring from tennis isn’t sad news at all,” Keane said. “He’s 37-years-old, had a brilliant career but had plenty of injuries, so he should count his blessings that he’s had such a successful career” he added.
Injuries have played a unwelcome and yet big part of Murray’s career with hip and back issues forcing him to miss chunks of the tennis season throughout his career, and even stopped him playing in the singles at Wimbledon. However, the Grand Slam winner will leave the game with three major titles, two Olympic gold medals and a silver, and Keane maintains that the Scotsman should be thrilled with his “brilliant” time in the game.
“He must have been crying… although it’s okay to cry. That’s not sad news. It’s good news,” Keane said. “He’s got a lovely family. Good luck to him. He had a brilliant career.”
Many pundits over the years have argued that Murray would’ve tasted more success had he not been up against the legendary trio of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Keane believes he had it harder in his profession though having to go head to head with a European great in the shape of Barcelona.
“They talk about him playing in a great era… we were up against the great Barcelona,” he said. “He could have been with Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.”
