Robbie Keane has opened talks with Shamrock Rovers over an incredible finale to his career back in his home city of Dublin.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Ireland’s record cap holder and record goalscorer is prepared to snub offers from England to enjoy a swansong in the city he left as a teenager for a star-studded career that has covered Liverpool, Spurs, Inter Milan, Celtic and LA Galaxy.
Two of his other former clubs, Championship outfits Leeds and Wolves, had been quoted with an interest in the LA Galaxy striker but an offer from Dublin puts a whole new light on things.
Shamrock Rovers are the most successful club in Irish football history but have trailed behind Dundalk in recent seasons.
Michael O’Neill led Rovers to the League of Ireland title in 2010 and 2011 before moving on to bring success to the Northern Ireland international side.
Bringing Keane home would be a massive boost for Rovers and the League of Ireland whose credibility has risen since switching to ‘summer football’ with Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk reaching the group phase of the Europa League.
Last week Keane followed in the footsteps of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in announcing his decision to quit the MLS after six seasons with LA Galaxy.