Roy Keane admits it's 'very, very embarrassing' that he can't play in testimonial games

Roy Keane has explained why he rarely plays in testimonial matches.

The 51-year-old, a seven-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, retired from the game in 2006, aged 34, after successful spells at Nottingham Forest, United and Celtic.

Since then, he's enjoyed spells in management with Sunderland, Ipswich, the Republic of Ireland national team [assistant to Martin O'Neill] and Aston Villa [assistant to Paul Lambert].

The former United captain also features on our screens as a no-nonsense Sky Sports pundit from time to time, but since hanging up his boots 16 years ago, Keane has rarely featured on the pitch in testimonial and legends games.

Why, I hear you ask. Well, according to the man himself, it's all because of his "very, very embarrassing" fitness levels.

In an interview with YouTube channel Off The Ball earlier this month, Keane said: "I'm not fit. I'm far from fit. My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing.

"Just because I've not put on loads of weight doesn't mean to say I'm fit. I wouldn't really be able to do any running.

"Put it this way, I've been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it. I'd find it really difficult because I wouldn't be able to get around. Too many injury problems.

"I try to have a decent diet and I'm obviously weary about putting on too much weight. But I certainly wouldn't be fit enough to go on any sort of run. I do a small bit of cycling but even that - I'm not exactly Sean Kelly."

Back in 2018, Keane featured in a tribute match to honour Liam Miller, his former teammate and fellow Corkman who sadly passed away aged 36 following a battle with cancer.

Keane was player/manager for the game, as 42,878 fans turned out to pay tribute to former Republic of Ireland international Miller at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Back in his home city, he received a huge ovation when he replaced Ryan Giggs on the hour mark.

The tie eventually went to penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time, and despite Keane having his effort saved by his fellow Irishman David Forde, his United side emerged victorious.