UNTHINKABLE
United’s statement on the decision:
"Roy Keane had several meetings with Brian Kerr. Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane were eager for Roy to return to the Republic of Ireland squad.
Before Roy went to meet Brian Kerr he sat down with Manchester United's medical team, Dr Mike Stone and physio Rob Swire, and felt the FAI needed to be made aware of all the medical issues. Dr Mike Stone sent a medical report to Brian Kerr explaining the nature of Roy's injury.
"Roy Keane had undergone hip surgery in September 2002. The orthopaedic surgeon said it was a serious, potentially career-threatening injury. With slow and very careful rehabilitation, Roy has made a good recovery from surgery.
Before Roy went to meet Brian Kerr he sat down with Manchester United's medical team, Dr Mike Stone and physio Rob Swire, and felt the FAI needed to be made aware of all the medical issues. Dr Mike Stone sent a medical report to Brian Kerr explaining the nature of Roy's injury.
"Roy Keane had undergone hip surgery in September 2002. The orthopaedic surgeon said it was a serious, potentially career-threatening injury. With slow and very careful rehabilitation, Roy has made a good recovery from surgery.
The possibility of retirement from the game following the surgery was discussed but Roy decided it was not the course of action he wanted to take.
"Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane were eager for Roy to return to the Republic of Ireland squad.
"It is self-evident that being able to give Roy periods of rest if his hip becomes a problem is likely to prolong his career. This is possible within a club situation. The break he gets during international games can only be of benefit to him.
"From a strictly medical viewpoint, once the decision to continue playing was taken, any way of limiting the number of games he plays is in Roy's best interests. It has been in no-one's interest to persuade Roy Keane to retire from international football. Based purely on medical grounds and not football issues, Roy has decided to do what is best for him and his family."
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