Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has shared his thoughts on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell, stating it “isn’t sad news at all.”
The ex-footballer commented on the tennis star’s grand send-off from The All England Club after a video montage featuring tributes from tennis greats and Sue Barker marked Murray’s departure from the tournament. Keane, former captain of the Republic of Ireland, suggested that Murray should be grateful for his successful career.
The two-time Wimbledon champion is set to compete in the Olympic Games later this month before retiring from professional tennis. Despite the bittersweet nature of the occasion, Keane sees it as “good news” that the Scotsman is retiring with such an illustrious career behind him, reports the Express.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former United captain argued that given the numerous injuries he’s battled, the Olympic champion should be content with his career. “Andy Murray retiring from tennis isn’t sad news at all,” Keane stated.
“He’s 37-years-old, had a brilliant career but had plenty of injuries, so he should count his blessings that he’s had such a successful career” he added.
Injuries have been a persistent and significant obstacle in Andy Murray’s career, with hip and back problems causing him to miss substantial parts of the tennis season, including playing singles at Wimbledon. Despite these setbacks, the Grand Slam champion will retire with an impressive haul of three major titles, two Olympic gold medals, and a silver.
Keane has praised Murray’s achievements saying, “He must have been crying… although it’s okay to cry. That’s not sad news. It’s good news,” and added: “He’s got a lovely family. Good luck to him. He had a brilliant career.”
The debate among commentators regarding whether Murray could have enjoyed even greater success if not for contemporaries like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal is ongoing. Keane, however, feels his own challenges were greater, having faced a formidable Barcelona team in his playing days.
“They talk about him playing in a great era… we were up against the great Barcelona,” Keane said. “He could have been with Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.” he added.
Adding to the voice of approval from Stick to Football’s Roy Keane, Ian Wright also lauded Murray, labelling him as a “great” due to the stiff competition he stood up against throughout his career. “Andy Murray is one of our sporting greats for what he had to go through,” Wright declared.
“For him to make it in tennis, in our country, and in the same era as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, you’ve got to give him major credit. He had a brilliant career and he’s one of our all-time greats.”
Spectators had hoped to see Murray play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu in what was intended to be his official final run at SW19. However, the reigning US Open champion pulled out because of wrist stiffness. The 21-year-old star admitted she was “disappointed” and had been “looking forward to playing” alongside Murray.