Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane has claimed Rafael Benitez broke promises made to him when he joined the club. The former Republic of Ireland international told The Football Show on Sky Sports (via Liverpool Echo) that the Spaniard was the “wrong manager at the wrong time” for him.
Keane signed for the Anfield giants in July 2008 in a deal reportedly worth £21.6m but returned to his former club Tottenham Hotspur in February 2009 for £15.03m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk).
The 39-year-old says he was told he and Fernando Torres would start up front with Steven Gerrard playing in midfield, but it quickly became evident Benitez preferred to use the current Rangers boss just off of the main striker.
Here is how some of the Liverpool fans have responded to their former player’s comments.
I thought he was treated terrible by Benitez, great player IMO #LFC
— pip1974 (@pippin_terence) April 22, 2020
He was the wrong player for us. £20m better spent elsewhere.
— Since1995 (@Since199517) April 22, 2020
Wasnt given his fair chance but scored a few and assisted Torres at goodison
— Sullinho (@sullinho15) April 22, 2020
Aww would he ever pipe down. He scored two against West Brom, got shown video analysis of how he could have got more, and scoffed at it. Not at the required level attitude wise, and never was .
— Eoghan O’Sullivan (@eoghanos9) April 22, 2020
Was Robbie Keane poorly treated during his time at Anfield?
Yes
No
Passed it when he came to us
— Gman (@glawth) April 22, 2020
Can’t remember who it was against in Europe 1-0 up. Robbie had a tap in almost on the line and tried a fancy back heel and missed. They went down the other end and scored to make it 1-1.if won that game we were through from the group with a game to spare he didn’t last long after
— tel (@telulm) April 22, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the above responses that the majority of these Liverpool fans believe Keane was never at the level required to succeed at the club. Fortunately for the Reds, they were able to recuperate most of the money they spent on the forward just a few months down the line.