ROBBIE KEANE announced his decision to leave Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy on Thursday night but insists he still has “one last major challenge” left in him.
The former Ireland captain spent six successful seasons in America, winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals and was named 2014’s Most Valuable Player in MLS.
So, after retiring from international football earlier this year, what could Keane’s last club challenge be? Here’s some mooted options.
CHINA
With Premier League TV rights in China reportedly selling for around £560m this week, money appears to be no object to those running the football boom in that part of the world.
Funds are being piled into the game in China at all levels, with Shanghai SIPG striker Hulk the third-best paid player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
It is not clear if an offer from China is on the table for Keane, but if one is to come it would no doubt be financially excessive. And if those charged with growing the game have been watching the rise of the MLS closely, they’ll know Keane has played a big part in that.
LEAGUE OF IRELAND
If money is no motivation for Keane any more, a homecoming switch to the League of Ireland could be a romantic way of seeing out his career.
The success of Dundalk in Europe this season, coupled with Cork City’s close pursuit of them in domestic matters, confirms there’s no shame in playing top tier football in Ireland.
Being a Dub, neither Dundalk nor Cork is likely to be of appeal to Keane, but his beloved Shamrock Rovers might.
AUSTRALIA
The money floating about the soccer scene in Australia may not be as eye-popping as China, but the lifestyle may be of more appeal to Keane and his young family.
Keane’s former international team-mates Damien Duff (Melbourne City), Liam Miller (Perth Glory) and Andy Keogh (Perth Glory) have all made the plunge down under, and the standard of play would not be out of the 36-year-old’s capabilities just yet.
ANOTHER MLS TEAM
On the face of things, a stay in America seems most likely for Keane, whose eldest child Robert Jr has been attending school during the family’s five-year stay in Los Angeles.
Keane could still command ‘Designated Player’ status, an MLS rule which allows marquee players to fall outside of a team’s salary cap, if he was to receive an offer from elsewhere.
That way, Keane could prolong his American dream, which could be the best option for his family.
