Roy Keane shares what his relationship with Patrick Vieira is like now

The full picture

Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · Arsenal Insider ↗

Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, former captains of Manchester United and Arsenal, had a notable rivalry during their playing careers, with their feud influencing the tone of matches between the two teams. Keane identified Vieira as his greatest rival in an interview on Stick to Football. Gary Neville suggested that despite their past, Keane and Vieira are now friends, contradicting Keane's denial. The two players have a history of intense encounters, including a notable incident in the Highbury tunnel in 2005.

Vieira has expressed respect for Keane, describing him as fair and noting his ability to absorb challenges without reacting verbally before responding physically. Their rivalry was marked by significant incidents, including a confrontation in the Highbury tunnel before a match in February 2005, and Vieira scoring the winning penalty against United in the FA Cup final later that year.

Between them, Keane and Vieira won 10 Premier League titles, with Vieira winning three with Arsenal and Keane securing seven with Manchester United. Vieira continues to be involved with Arsenal, recently praising Declan Rice for his energy in a holding midfield role and suggesting he would fit into the Invincibles team.