www.premierleague.comFormer Manchester United captain Roy Keane has completed his move to Celtic after signing an 18-month deal.
Keane, who ended his Old Trafford career last month by mutual consent, was linked with Real Madrid earlier this week.
But, when the Spanish giants cooled their interest in the 34-year-old former Republic of Ireland international, Celtic seized their chance.
The midfielder will be eligible to make his Hoops debut against Hearts in the Scottish Premier League at Tynecastle on New Year’s Day.
Keane’s departure from United was confirmed on November 18, and immediately a number of clubs expressed an interest in signing the midfielder.
Celtic, who had always been considered as a possible future destination for Keane, made welcoming noises in a statement on the club website
www.celticfc.net.
“Roy Keane was a magnificent player and servant for Manchester United but he also knows all about Celtic,” it read.
“If at any time Roy would like to speak to us about his future and Celtic’s, we would be only too happy to speak to him.”
Italian sides Juventus, Roma and Fiorentina were at various points linked with the player, while Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce admitted any club in the Barclays Premiership would be happy to have a leader like Keane in their ranks.
Everton, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United also emerged as contenders, but Real Madrid seemed favourites when a club spokesman revealed he was “on a list of possible signings” earlier this week.
However, Real president Florentino Perez offered a cooler response, insisting transfer targets would not be discussed until the club had completed their 2005 Primera Liga fixtures.
The saga has now moved full circle, with Keane sealing a move to Parkhead.
