The former Spurs and Leeds striker made a hasty exit after being asked about his future
Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Robbie Keane abruptly left an interview earlier this year when questioned about potentially taking charge at the north London outfit.
Spurs, now under Roberto De Zerbi's stewardship, face Leeds, another of Keane's former clubs, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday evening. The hosts will be aiming to create further distance from the relegation zone following back-to-back Premier League victories.
Keane hung up his boots in November 2018 before moving into coaching. His journey in the dugout included assistant positions with the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
The former striker subsequently took charge at Maccabi Tel Aviv before his move to Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, where he secured the league championship last season. Yet, despite his legendary status at Spurs, the ex-forward appeared uncomfortable when asked about replacing Thomas Frank, who was dismissed in February this year following a dismal eight-month period.
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When asked if he anticipated contact from Spurs earlier this year, Keane, 45, responded: "I can't help speculation," before shrugging his shoulders and promptly departing the room.
Keane also clarified his position on his future earlier this year, stating he was not actively pursuing a position in the Premier League. Speaking with Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport, he said: "I never dream about it.
"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 north London club eventually appointed former Brighton and Marseille manager De Zerbi, 46, who has overseen four matches thus far, securing two victories, one draw and one defeat since his arrival at the end of March.
Keane's reputation has been further enhanced after leading Ferencvaros to the 2025/26 Hungarian Cup on Saturday, defeating Zalaegerszeg 1-0 following extra-time. His team now enters next week's concluding league fixtures sitting one point adrift of Gyor as they look to retain the title.
Following the Hungarian Cup victory, Keane suggested his appetite for further silverware with Ferencvaros remains strong. 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 joined Leeds from Inter Milan in 2001, having initially arrived on loan the previous campaign. He netted 19 goals for The Whites before making the move to Spurs in 2002.
The Republic of Ireland striker went on to become a prolific figure at the club, amassing 107 goals across nine seasons, departing for a six-month spell at Liverpool in 2008 and subsequently returning to Spurs until 2011.