Roy Keane joined Celtic on an 18-month deal on this day in 2005.
The vastly-experienced midfielder had unexpectedly left Manchester United by mutual consent a little under a month earlier, with his relations at Old Trafford having come under increasing strain.
As a free agent, the 34-year-old had been linked with several clubs in England and abroad, with David Beckham urging Real Madrid to consider signing the Irishman.
“I gave other clubs a chance and was impressed with them all. But it’s a great move for me. I feel that this is where I belong and I’m here to work hard and win games,” said Keane.
“I’ve been in the Premiership for a long time and feel I have proved myself there and needed a different environment, different teams, different grounds.”
He brought with him a reputation as a fiercely combative enforcer, and his enthusiasm appeared undimmed – something his new team-mates could attest to as he was soon seen criticising what he did not like during matches.
There was plenty to criticise as his debut ended in a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Clyde, but Keane would go on to win the Scottish Premier League and League Cup with Celtic that season.
He was limited to just 13 appearances in all competitions before announcing his retirement in June 2006, a year before his contract had been due to end.
