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Football

22nd May 2022

Roy Keane shows great comic timing after Jack Grealish party invite

Patrick McCarry

He fired that back without hesitation

Down on the Etihad Stadium pitch as blue and white streamers and balloons littered the place and Manchester City supporters were still booming and singing away, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and the City players were whooping it up.

Roy Keane has been in better situations.

The former Manchester United captain was on Sky Sports duty for the final day of the Premier League season and praised champions City for doing ‘what all great sides do’ to beat Aston Villa 3-2.

Pep Guardiola’s side were 2-0 down with 16 minutes to play, only to score three times in five minutes. It was a rousing comeback, and it was enough for City to see off Liverpool’s title challenge.

Brought down to the pitch to soak up some of the title-winning celebrations, Keane was joined by Jamie Redknapp, host Dave Jones and Micah Richards. The former City defender was certainly loving life while Keane was simply… smiling and enduring.

“Absolutely, it’s great to be here. Fantastic,” said Keane. “Torture!”

Roy Keane gets party invite from Jack Grealish

The Sky Sports panel carried out a host of player interviews as the Manchester City players celebrated, in the background.

Jack Grealish did not get on the pitch to influence events but, with a Premier League winners’ medal around his neck, the £100 million man did not look too perturbed.

When Micah Richards confirmed he was heading out with Grealish and the City boys for the title party, Jamie Redknapp remarked, “These two heading out tonight. I’m worried!”

Grealish would extend an invite to Keane – his former coach when he played with Republic of Ireland – but was met with a rapid response. He did not miss a beat.

GREALISH: And Roy. He’s coming!

REDKNAPP: If he’s out, I’m out.

KEANE: I’m driving!

That Keane rejoinder brought guffaws of laughter from Richards and Grealish. The Cork native did speak highly of Grealish and was complimentary about the player, and the City squad.

“I think he will be better next year,” said Keane of Grealish. “Jack is still learning… it does take time to adapt when you come to a bigger club.”

Jack Grealish was sound enough to send on a message to Gary Neville’s daughter, Sophie, and asked if her father could allow her to stay up late to celebrate the City league win.

Times have well and truly changed in Manchester.