Roy Keane says it ‘wasn’t meant to be’ as he opens up for the first time on turning down a return to Sunderland… and the fiery TV pundit says it’s ‘no big deal’ if he never returns to the dugout
Roy Keane has spoken for the first time since turning down the Sunderland job and admits the deal was not right.
The 50-year-old could not reach an agreement with his former club last week after two rounds of talks.
Keane will instead continue in his role as a TV pundit despite saying he was interested in a return to management amid his links to the League One club, who had identified the Irishman as their preferred choice before turning to Alex Neil.
Roy Keane has opened up on why he turned Sunderland down for a return as their manager
The Black Cats were keen to turn to the fiery Irishman in a bid to reignite their promotion bid
Asked why the move had collapsed, Keane joked: ‘As usual, it comes down to money.’
Speaking at The Overlap Live in Manchester, he added: ‘I’ve said it before. The deal has to be right for everyone.
‘It didn’t fall into place last week. It wasn’t meant to be.
‘Everything has to be right. The right challenge. The right contract. You have to fancy it.
Keane had been Sunderland’s main target but turned the role down over contractual issues
The Irishman led Sunderland to the Championship title back in the 2006-07 season
‘I’ve not had that opportunity the last few years. There has not been a club where I think, “I’m the right fit for that club”.’
Keane said he is relaxed about the future and would consider managing abroad.
‘If I don’t get another chance, it’s no big deal,’ he said.
‘You need a bit of luck. The right club has to give you the call. That hasn’t happened. It’s no big deal.’
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