DUBLIN – If you thought that Robbie Keane was getting ready to wind down his career and wallow in his recent MLS MVP season, think again.
Sure, the LA Galaxy captain is a little closer to the end of his playing days, but that doesn’t mean he is even contemplating hanging up his boots. In fact, he is doing everything he can to prolong his adventure.
A veteran of 10 different clubs, Keane has been around long enough – he made his professional debut at just 17 years old – to know what it takes to compete at an elite level, season after season. It is why the 34-year-old has started to do yoga and has tailored his offseason so that he stays active – notably playing five-a-side sessions with his brother and boyhood friends when home in Dublin.
Keane looks as fit and as sharp as ever. It is a credit to his professionalism off the pitch that he is in such good shape going into his fourth MLS season, yet it is the striker’s hunger for the game that truly stands out.
“I feel a lot better than I have done for a long time,” Keane told reporters in Dublin. “Last year I had the operations and it was six weeks of rehab. With this offseason I had time to relax when I was back home. If I feel the way I feel now, of course I want to play as long as I can. I look at people like Teddy Sheringham and Ryan Giggs, who both played for a long time. As long as I look after myself and keep myself fit.
“That’s why it is important in the offseason that you look after yourself physically and keep yourself ticking over. I do a little bit of yoga. It’s certainly good for stretching but I would be very flexible anyway. For me it’s just about the hunger to want to play and the drive to do well, score goals and compete at the highest level. That more than anything motivates me.”
Keane was speaking at the Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin, where LA Galaxy and sponsors Herbalife presented a check of $50,000 before later meeting Irish President Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony in the Phoenix Park.
Ahead of taking on Shamrock Rovers this Saturday, the Galaxy will spend the next couple of days training at Gannon Park, where Keane trains when on Republic of Ireland duty, before returning to the US for their final preseason preparations.
Clearly, the future is on Keane’s mind. He is desperate to pick up a fourth MLS Cup winner’s medal and the impending summer arrival of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard should aid that pursuit for Bruce Arena’s team.
- Get more LA Galaxy news at LAGalaxy.com
Keane revealed that he has already spoken to his onetime club teammate about his impending move, but admitted that there is no chance of handing over the captain’s armband to him once Gerrard pitches up at the StubHub Center.
“I’m looking forward to it. I've obviously spoken to him and he’s excited about it and he’s looking forward to a new challenge. He will be a great addition to our squad,” said Keane before laughing off a question of Gerrard becoming captain.
With his fitness regime perfected, his desire to win more trophies as high as ever and his love of the game still unshakeable, Keane is ready to lead Galaxy once again – and that is worrying news for the rest of MLS.
