Roy Keane has previously stated he intends to move abroad within the next couple of years, a timeline that could cast doubt on his continued role as a Sky Sports pundit. The 55-year-old Irishman has been a regular presence in the studio during Manchester United fixtures, but his own remarks suggest this may not last much longer.
Keane's relocation plans
Speaking on an episode of The Overlap on Tour in October 2024, Keane said: "In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad... putting it out there." He mentioned Switzerland as a possible new residence, describing the nation as beautiful. That two-year period is set to conclude in autumn this year.
A move to continental Europe would require lengthy travel to the studio, making weekend appearances more challenging. Keane has already indicated that this phase of his life and career will not continue indefinitely.
Previous incident cited
In June 2024, a man was convicted of headbutting Keane while the Irishman was working at a fixture at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Keane referenced this incident when suggesting he was unlikely to remain a pundit a decade later.
"I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans," he told Stick to Football in 2024. "I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me, do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not."
"The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name good stuff, bad stuff it's a nuisance. Being a pundit in 10 years, not."
Richards also plans exit
Keane is not the only Sky Sports familiar face anticipating his departure from screens within the next decade. Micah Richards has kept himself occupied across club and international football, yet intends to eventually walk away and redirect his focus elsewhere.
"I'll be out of all this by the time I turn 46," the former Manchester City defender told The Telegraph in July. "You won't see me on any mainstream media beyond the 2034 World Cup. That will be the last time I am on the BBC or Sky or CBS. I've told them all this and they think I'm joking. I'm not."
Richards added: "I've given so much of my life to football since leaving school at 14. But when the time comes, I want to make a difference to people's lives at a grassroots level – to help those who need it most, especially young people."
"I come from Chapeltown in Leeds. It's an area where there is so much talent, but a shortage of opportunity. I want to give something back. That's my aim. I've no idea what form that will take, yet. There's plenty of time to work that out."
