Sir Alex Ferguson recalled the time he bumped into Kevin Keegan just months after his 'I'd love it' rant. Keegan's death, announced on Monday, prompted a tide of tributes from across the world of football.
Among those paying tribute was former Manchester United boss Ferguson, who was famously on the other end of Keegan's “I'd love it, absolutely love it, if we beat them” rant as the Premier League title headed into the final few weeks of the 1995/96 season.
The pub meeting
Ferguson revealed the pair bumped into each other at a pub close to Wentworth Golf Club a few weeks after that season, in which the Red Devils pipped Newcastle to the title, and ended up spending the night around a piano.
“That was Kevin, he was all emotion and he brought that to the team as well,” he told Track Radio. “They played for Kevin Keegan, there's no question about that.”
“The interesting thing about the outburst from Kevin, two weeks after the season had finished, I was playing golf with some friends and went to a great bar up the road, nice food. We went up there, and who walks in? Kevin Keegan and he spent the rest of the night on the piano.”
Ferguson's tribute
Ferguson said in a tribute: “I had the utmost respect for him. We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic.
“He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give. That's the job he did.
“And he also brought three great players to the club – (David) Ginola, (Faustino) Asprilla, Philippe Albert – and added a bit of class to the team, and I must say the challenges we had with Newcastle at that time at United were huge.
“Kevin carried the love of the game on his sleeve, there's no question about that, and that carried right on to the fans, to the players.
“That period at Newcastle was of emotion, it was excitement. They brought these great players to the club too and they added to it, and it gave Newcastle – I think – their best ever team.”
Keegan's death
Keegan, one of the most popular figures in English football, died aged 75 following a battle with cancer on Monday.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
