Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane had a “very intense chat” for “about an hour and a half” with one of his biggest admirers.
Roy Keane, who has become a leading figure in punditry for Sky Sports, is widely regarded as one of the best captains in Premier League history.
The Manchester United legend excelled in his role as club skipper after he inherited the armband from Eric Cantona, who announced his sudden retirement in 1997.
Keane was a pivotal midfield figure during his legendary spell at Old Trafford and was widely admired for his no-nonsense approach both on the pitch and off it.
During a glittering playing career, the 52-year-old Irishman was a linchpin presence in United’s teams of the past under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane played a key role in United’s iconic treble win in 1999 and the Irish hardman was widely hailed for his influence in the Red Devils’ locker room.
The ex-United and Nottingham Forest midfielder lifted seven Premier League titles, a Champions League and four FA Cups under Red Devils legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane retired from football in 2006 after a brief spell with Scottish side Celtic, following his brutal axing from Old Trafford in 2005 at the hands of Ferguson.
The former Republic of Ireland skipper ventured into management and coaching after his prolific playing career, with Keane later taking up punditry duties.
Man Utd legend Keane meets big fan
Irish actor Cillian Murphy is from the city of Cork in the Republic of Ireland, which is the same place that Manchester United legend Roy Keane was born in.
The 47-year-old has found incredible success in the acting world, including his award-winning performance as J Robert Oppenheimer in 2023’s Oppenheimer.
Cillian Murphy scooped an Oscar, BAFTA and a Golden Globe for his widely admired work in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film.
The Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders actor is a big fan of Keane and previously opened up about his deep admiration for the former United skipper.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Murphy revealed that he had a “very intense chat” with Keane and called his fellow Irishman one of his “favourite people.”
“[Roy Keane] is actually one of my favourite people,” he said.
Murphy continued: “I met him once in an airport, and we had a very intense chat for about an hour and a half.”
Murphy talks Man Utd legend Keane
Murphy scooped his first Oscar award last month after beating the likes of Bradley Cooper and Jeffrey Wright in the Best Actor category at the awards ceremony.
The Oscar winner has shared a close relationship with director Christopher Nolan, having previously worked with him in the acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy.
Murphy, who played the Scarecrow in Nolan’s much-beloved Batman movies, reiterated his deep admiration for fellow Irishman Keane.
When asked if he saw a “kindred spirit” between them, he responded: “I did. He’s got that thing, that Cork sense… straight to the heart of the issue.”
Murphy added: “He’s a legend. Everything he stands for, I love.”