LIVERPOOL legend Steven Gerrard has admitted he’s always revered Manchester United rival Roy Keane although he despises the Irishman’s former team.
Proud Scouser Gerrard’s never been one to hide his disdain for United over the years.
The Aston Villa boss further fanned the flames with United’s fans last season by staring down the club’s boo boys when his side visited Old Trafford.
Keane also added fuel to the fire by refusing to congratulate Rangers for their Scottish title win when Gerrard was in charge.
But the England icon has revealed that he’s always held Keane in high regard although he played for the Red Devils.
Gerrard said ahead of Villa’s win over Everton: “I’ve always been a massive fan of Roy Keane, not Man United.”
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
The ex-Rangers boss also declared that he would’ve loved to have played alongside Keane who could protect him whilst he got stuck into the action.
He added: “I think for all our generation watching Roy Keane’s consistency levels, how he went about it, I like to get into the box and having someone who would have been able to protect me in there and do some of my dirty work.
“I think he was the best at it so I would probably go with Roy Keane.”
Gerrard’s wish would’ve been a reality if he fell victim to ex-United star Gary Neville’s attempts to bring him to Old Trafford.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Neville admitted he tried to convince Gerrard to join United whilst the pair were on England duty during Euro 2004 – under Sir Alex Ferguson’s orders.
But Gerrard remained resilient and told Neville he – or his family – would never be able to return to their beloved city again if he committed the cardinal sin.
Although Gerrard’s missed the opportunity to play alongside Keane, there’s a possibilty the duo could still build a relationship off the pitch like ex-Reds ace Carragher and Keane have done as Sky Sports pundits.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
