Keane's Departure: The Quotes

18/11/05 5:04 PM

The news of Roy Keane's departure from United has rocked the football world.

Former team-mates, coaches and every available football pundit has had their say. Here, ManUtd.com rounds up the best of the reaction...

"The best midfield player in the world of his generation, he is already one of the great figures in our club’s illustrious history."- Sir Alex Ferguson

"Every relationship ends and you move on quickly. It was never going to go on forever. I feel privileged I had three years working with him. He certainly opened my eyes to what it takes to be a top athlete at a top club and I've taken many lessons from working with Roy." - Steve McClaren

"Roy Keane will be remembered as a true leader and one of the best players this club has ever had. It seems unthinkable to have Manchester United without Roy Keane but ten years ago you could have said the same about Bryan Robson and all the other great players. He's done so much for United and his name will be remembered forever. Roy is as big a player that the club have had and will have for a long time, but a club like United always moves on." - Nicky Butt

"He was certainly United’s most inspirational player in the last 10 years." - Arsène Wenger

"Roy was an extremely powerful figure at Manchester United and an exceptional player. I’m flabbergasted." - Ray Wilkins

"The fans will be upset because they loved him down there - and so did I when I played there. He was a great leader. The best thing about Roy Keane is that you knew where you stood with him. If you did something wrong he'd tell you but if you did it right then he'd also tell you - in his own way. Every player looks up to him for leadership." - David Beckham

"He's been an unbelievable player for United and one of the greatest the club has ever had. He's given so many years of great service and has always had that desire to get the best out of himself and the players around him." - Frank Stapleton

"I was there for 11 years, but the day they tell you your career is no longer going to be with Manchester United, it's a real bolt from the blue. It takes a while for you to recover from it and I would think Roy will be no different at the moment." - Lou Macari

Exerts from Keane's Departure: The Quotes