Reaction to Robbie Keane’s retirement has been something else

Robert Redmond

Robbie Keane announced his retirement on Wednesday after 21-years as a professional footballer.

Keane hangs up his boots to focus on his new coaching role under Mick McCarthy with the Republic of Ireland.

The Dubliner steps away from playing after achieving great success in his career, feats that would have been beyond his wildest dreams when he was growing up in Tallaght and playing for Crumlin United.

A piece I did in 2015 on how Robbie Keane's talent or achievements were never properly appreciated in Ireland.https://t.co/LeUs0q3aGl

— Robert Redmond (@RobRedmond10) November 28, 2018

Keane is Ireland’s record scorer with 68 goals, and record caps holder with 146 appearances – records that will never be broken.
He scored decisive goals against Germany, Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands.
He represented Ireland at three major tournaments and no Irish player has scored more World Cup goals (3).
He played for 11 different clubs, including some of the biggest teams in world football.
Only 13 footballers have scored more Premier League goals than Keane.
In total, he scored 325 goals in 737 games.

Keane’s achieved all of this in the world’s most competitive sport during a time when clubs could recruit footballers from any part of the world.

The former Tottenham and Liverpool forward set records in club and international football that seem unlikely to ever be bettered by any Irish player.

Since Keane announced his retirement, there has been a flood of tributes to the 38-year-old.

Former teammates, from Gareth Bale to David Beckham, Steven Gerrard to Rio Ferdinand, wished him well in his new role as Ireland coach, and congratulated him on his playing career.

Congratulations on an incredible career Robbie Keane. It was an absolute pleasure playing alongside you. All the best for the future mate and enjoy your new role. pic.twitter.com/lsmev6WjF3

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) November 29, 2018

Great teammate and great player . Congratulations robbiekeane for everything you did during your career with all your clubs and country. It’s was an absolutely pleasure to play with you… https://t.co/eCBui9gyeS

— Fernando Torres (@Torres) November 29, 2018

Happy Retirement to my roomy… pleasure to play with you & against you!! Enjoy Keanooooooooo #RobbieKeane #Retirement #LUFC pic.twitter.com/wV7YHpKSV4

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 28, 2018

Robbie Keane is the greatest @MLS player of all time.

— Mike Magee (@magee18) November 28, 2018

Wembley breaks into applause at announcer's half-time salute to the great career of Robbie Keane, ex Spurs, Inter ++, on the day he announced his retirement. #TOTINT

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 28, 2018

Just heard the news that Robbie Keane has officially retired from playing‘ I had the pleasure of spending a short time with him at Celtic . Not only was he an amazing player but also a great fella . Congratulations on an brilliant career🇮🇪🐐⚽️. #irishlegend @ClaudineKeane1

— Paddy McCourt (@PaddyMcCourt15) November 28, 2018

Congrats on an amazing career robbiekeane for both club and country , It was an honour and a delight to share the pitch with you so many times. What a player/captain and friend , Enjoy… https://t.co/bhTGa0bCzp

— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) November 28, 2018

Happy Retirement Robbie lad
It was pleasure to play alongside you & share the luaghs off the field from our @LUFC days👍🏻Enjoy mate & hope to see ya soon for a 🍺 #RobbieKeane #Retirement #Tallaghtfornia #leedsdays @ClaudineKeane1 pic.twitter.com/ol2tfzYji0

— Michael Bridges (@MickyBridges8) November 29, 2018

It was hard work carrying you all those years….😂
Seriously – what a career and what a teammate. All the very best of luck in your new role.#RobbieKeane pic.twitter.com/5BX8usIFPp

— Matt Holland (@mattholland8) November 28, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvGYarH82I/

While some of his former teams, and the leagues he played in, did likewise.

Goalscorer, Game Winner, Captain, Leader.

Thank you, Robbie Keane. 🇮🇪 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/wlXGEzw7jP

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 28, 2018

Emotional 🔵⚪️⚽️🇮🇪

An absolute Legend and all round super guy and role model to all our young players at Crumlin United. Our Club are so blessed to have had the pleasure of having Robbie Keane wear our Blue Shirt. 💙👏👏 https://t.co/4zTnOpbglh

— Crumlin United (@crumlinunited) November 29, 2018

Robbie Keane scored some beauties. 😍: https://t.co/IlnOx4wF6O pic.twitter.com/N0NifUEPeK

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 29, 2018

👏 | Good luck to former #LUFC striker Robbie Keane who announced his retirement yesterday!

This #TBT we look back at some of his 19 goals for the club… pic.twitter.com/0FPevKggub

— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 29, 2018

68 goals in 146 @FAIreland games 💪
His country's top goalscorer 🇮🇪
Three goals at the 2002 #WorldCup 👌

Robbie Keane has announced his playing retirement having been appointed assistant coach of @FAIreland. Thanks for the memories 👏 pic.twitter.com/1w0Pzdfs2D

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2018

Congratulations on a fantastic playing career Robbie Keane! 👏

Thanks for the memories! 👍#COYS pic.twitter.com/UZQwA3o92S

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 28, 2018

🇮🇪 Best of luck to former #CelticFC striker Robbie Keane in his retirement!

Thank you, Keano! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/BMRjlMRJ6y

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 28, 2018

🇮🇪 Hands up if you'll miss seeing goals like this… 🙋‍♂️

Enjoy your retirement, Robbie Keane! 👏#UEL @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/KNKQHCQAIy

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 28, 2018

We'd like to wish the best of luck to former #SkyBlues striker Robbie Keane, who's today announced his retirement from football.

Thanks for the memories Keano!

(34 games, 12 goals. 1999-00) #PUSB pic.twitter.com/rAj8mfCY8v

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) November 28, 2018

Born a winner. Best of luck in retirement, Robbie Keane! pic.twitter.com/viWTbvqUlS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 28, 2018

393 goals in 883 games during an incredible career for Robbie Keane.

And we'll always remember goals ☝️ + ✌️ in game 1️⃣

💛🐺 pic.twitter.com/KU1MnO8CAs

— Wolves (@Wolves) November 28, 2018