Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Former Leeds United player Ian Hart reminisced about his playing days with Roy Keane in an interesting interview with the Mirror.
Roy Keane and Ian Harte are Ireland national teammates and also
England Premier Soccer League
Opponents in the league (Leeds United and
Manchester United Football Club
), when Hart's Leeds United were trying to challenge the
Manchester United Football Club
(used form a nominal expression)
England Premier Soccer League
Ruling position.
Leeds United are on the rise but need to win against the Red Devils in Ireland, where the pair put their differences aside and often socialized together. Hart recalled a drink where Keane tried to "rough him up".
"I was at Levante for three seasons and then I signed a one-year deal with Sunderland," Hart said in an interview with 442, "As a player I respect Roy Keane but as a manager he could have handled things in a different way."
"When we played for Ireland we would sometimes go for a drink together. One night we went back to the hotel - that Saturday Leeds United were playing against
Manchester United Football Club
Team game. Keane turned to me and said, 'Hart, you're a nice guy. But when we play you on the weekend, I'm going to beat the shit out of you!' I sobered up straight away and ran off to bed."
"I admire Roy and I have a lot of respect for him." Hart spent nearly a decade at Elland Road, making 288 appearances for Leeds United before leaving after relegation in 2004. The Irishman played at left-back and was known by fans as a free-kick specialist. He played with Keane's
Manchester United Football Club
Teammate David.
David Beckham (1975-), British midfield footballer
over the same period
England Premier Soccer League
Played in the league.
Hart said, "I watched Roberto
Carlos (name)
, thinking he's really good, he's really good at free kicks.
David Beckham (1975-), British midfield footballer
Incredible player as well."
"People never compare together, but I'd like to see their stats against mine, and I reckon I'm more efficient than they are.
David Beckham (1975-), British midfield footballer
Probably took 200 more free kicks than me and scored 20 - I probably only took 70 and scored 15."
