Roy Keane, the former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder, recently shared a surprising and humorous anecdote about his childhood on The Overlap podcast. In a candid conversation, Keane revealed how the 1982 World Cup inspired him to give up smoking and pursue a career in football.
The Unexpected Revelation
During the podcast, Keane had his fellow ex-Premier League stars Ian Wright and Gary Neville in fits of laughter as he recounted his early days of playing football and smoking cigarettes. At the age of 11, Keane admitted to puffing on cigarettes while playing with friends, a habit he eventually decided to quit after being inspired by the World Cup.
What Keane Said
Keane, like fellow pundit Gary Neville, identified the 1982 World Cup as the pivotal tournament that ignited his passion for football and motivated him to make a significant lifestyle change. He shared, “I remember we used to play football after the games in the evening. In 1982 I would have been 11. I was with my friends, we were playing football and we’d have the odd cigarette when we were about 11. So, I was playing, they went: ‘Are you having this [cigarette]?’ I remember going: ‘I’m giving them up. I want to be a footballer’.”
The Turning Point
The story highlights a key moment in Keane’s life when he decided to focus on his dream of becoming a professional footballer. The influence of the 1982 World Cup was so profound that it led him to give up smoking, a decision that undoubtedly contributed to his successful career in football.
Roy Keane’s revelation about his childhood smoking habit and subsequent decision to quit for the love of football offers a unique glimpse into the early life of one of the game’s most iconic figures. The 1982 World Cup not only sparked his passion for the sport but also set him on the path to becoming a football legend. This story serves as a reminder of how powerful sporting events can inspire and shape the lives of future stars.