Keano at 40: 10 top Roy Keane quotes

Probably the most quoteworthy footballer of the Premier League era, not to mention an outspoken manager, it was tough to select just 10 top Roy Keane quotes. Enjoy.

By Emmet Purcell

On Nike's anti-racism wristbands in 2004:

"Before the game there was all this stuff about anti-racism and anti-bullying. It would be a good idea to start wearing wristbands for anti-diving."

On his feelings towards then-Irish manager Mick McCarthy:

"Who do you think you are having meetings about me? You were a crap player and you are a crap manager. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country and you're not even Irish you English c***!"

On prawn sandwiches:

"Away from home our fans are fantastic, I'd call them the hardcore fans. But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch. I don't think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell 'football', never mind understand it."

On unidentified younger United players (*cough* Rio Ferdinand *cough*) after United lose the title in 2004:

"We have one or two young players who have done very little in the game. They need to remember that and not slack off. They need to remember just how lucky we all are to play for Manchester United and show that out on the pitch."

On delivering a sportsman-like word of encouragement to former arch-rival Patrick Vieira of Arsenal before a testy game:

"I'll fucking see you out there!"

On his Alf Inge Haaland tackle (which was apparently misquoted by his autobiography ghostwriter Eamon Dunphy):

"I'd waited long enough. I fucking hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***. And don't ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries."

On the heart attack of former Sunderland defender Clive Clarke while he was manager:

"On a night we got beaten in the cup by Luton, the staff came in and said, 'Clive Clarke has had a heart attack at Leicester'."I said, 'Is he OK? I'm shocked they found one, you could never tell by the way he plays'."

On his ferocious playing style:

"Aggression is what I do. I go to war. You don't contest football matches in a reasonable state of mind"

On football pundits:

"Will those on telly yesterday be remembered for what they've achieved? None whatsoever. I wouldn't trust them to walk my dog. There are ex-players and ex-referees being given air-time who I wouldn't listen to in a pub."

On players that are controlled by WAGS:

"If they don't want to come because their wife wants to go shopping in London, it's a sad state of affairs. To me, that player is weak because his wife runs his life."