The former Spurs and Leeds star made a quick exit after being asked about his future
Former Leeds and Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane hastily exited an interview earlier this year after he was asked about taking over at the north London club. Spurs, now managed by Roberto De Zerbi, will take on Leeds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night, looking to edge further away from the drop zone following two successive victories in the Premier League.
Keane retired from playing in November 2018 and ventured into management. His post-playing career saw him appointed as assistant with the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
The ex-forward was later handed the reins at Maccabi Tel Aviv ahead of his appointment at Hungarian side Ferencvaros, where he won the league title last season. However, despite being a bonafide Spurs icon, the former striker bristled at the idea of succeeding Thomas Frank, who was sacked in February this year after a rotten eight-month spell.
Asked if he was expecting an approach from Spurs earlier this year, Keane, 45, replied: "I can't help speculation," before shrugging his shoulders and quickly walking out of the room.
Keane also confirmed his stance on his future earlier this year, saying he was not actively seeking a role in the Premier League. Speaking with Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport, he said: "I never dream about it.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page
“After playing there the most, people back home expect me to work in England. It doesn’t work that way for me. Am I looking for the opportunity to sign for England? No. Would I like to be the manager of Liverpool? No. If they want me to be one, we can talk about it.
"I feel great at Ferencvaros, I couldn’t be in a better place right now. I am lucky because I don’t need money, I earned a living when I was a player, I don’t do it to get money at the end of the month, I am motivated by something completely different."
However, The Telegraph stated that Keane was reluctant to leave his current position unless it was for a full-time role at Spurs. The Lilywhites ultimately opted for former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi, 46, who has taken charge of four games so far, winning two, drawing one and losing once since taking over at the end of March.
Keane’s stock has since been boosted further after he guided Ferencvaros to the 2025/26 Hungarian Cup on Saturday, beating Zalaegerszeg 1-0 after extra-time. His side now heads into next week’s final round of league fixtures a point behind Gyor as they look to retain the title.
After the Hungarian Cup win, Keane hinted he is hungry for more success with Ferencvaros. He said: “This victory is very special to me. Of course, winning trophies is always a good thing and to have managed to win another trophy after last year’s championship is a huge achievement.
“The main thing is that we won the Hungarian Cup. The Europa League is very important for the club, seeing the experience we have gained this season. Hopefully, we can have another good run next season too."
Keane signed for Leeds from Inter Milan in 2001, after initially joining on loan the season before. He scored 19 goals for The Whites before joining Spurs in 2002. He went on to score 107 goals for Spurs across nine seasons, with the Republic of Ireland forward leaving the club for a six-month stint at Liverpool in 2008 before returning until 2011.