Roy Keane could be making his last World Cup appearance as an ITV pundit this weekend if he follows through on his retirement intentions. The former Manchester United midfielder has disclosed his ambition to quit punditry and relocate overseas, with his self-imposed deadline of two years set in 2024 expiring at the end of 2026.
Keane's Punditry Career and Retirement Plans
Keane spent the bulk of his playing days at Old Trafford, serving under Sir Alex Ferguson and claiming seven Premier League titles. He retired from playing in 2006 and transitioned into management, taking charge of Sunderland and Ipswich Town. However, the former club captain's off-field career truly flourished when he entered punditry with ITV and Sky Sports. Keane is a familiar face on The Overlap and collaborates regularly with Jill Scott, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, and former team-mate Gary Neville.
During an episode filmed in 2024, the 54-year-old confessed he was considering departing Britain. He said: "In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad... putting it out there." Given the "couple of years" timeframe expires at the close of 2026, this weekend could mark Keane's last World Cup appearance for ITV.
Potential Destinations and Reasons for Leaving
When questioned about his destination, Keane added: "Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful." Keane elaborated on his wish to step back from punditry on the Stick to Football podcast, saying: "I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans – I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting 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."
World Cup Jokes and England's Performance
Keane quipped earlier this summer that he would pack his bags and leave Britain should England have triumphed at this year's World Cup. Appearing on the Sky Bet World Cup mini-series, the former United skipper remarked: "I don't want England winning it! But obviously when we're working over there, and you're ITV, you want (them to do well). And you know they're gonna get through the knockout games, and when they're getting through, there's a bit of excitement. And that's when I start to get worried, when it's semis and finals. 'Please, stop now! Get them out now!'"
When pressed by Micah Richards on what he would do if the Three Lions lifted the trophy, Keane responded: "No, I'd be emigrating to Australia." England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday evening and will face France in the third-place play-off. Nevertheless, should he honour his previously stated retirement intentions, the former Ireland international may well be saying goodbye to both Sky Sports and ITV after the World Cup.
