James Maddison makes Roy Keane admission after Man Utd icon celebration – ‘what’s the point?’
James Maddison and Roy Keane went back and forth last season after the ex-Manchester United midfielder said the Tottenham man wasn’t capable of dragging his club back into the top six
James Maddison has spoken about his relationship with Roy Keane(Image: Getty Images)
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has once again defended his decision to hit back at Roy Keane after the duo were involved in a war of words last season.
Manchester United legend Keane started the feud after he criticised Maddison, 29, before Tottenham went up against the Reds in the Premier League back in February.
Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: “Maddison isn’t bad when he’s not at the darts… but if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”
He added: “He’s a talented player, but if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and he’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, ‘James is back today – we’re going to be fine!'”
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Maddison responded by scoring the winner for Tottenham in a 1-0 win against United. He then produced his trademark darts celebration before putting his finger to his lips in a silencing motion.
“There was a little bit of outside noise this week,” Maddison replied. “People will have their opinions. I wanted to do my talking on the pitch today so I hope there’s a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”
Maddison then continued his squabble with Keane after Tottenham won the Europa League in May. Although he didn’t play in the final against United, Maddison joined CBS Sports’ post-match coverage, and said: “I wasn’t gonna do any interviews but I heard Roy Keane was in the studio tonight!”
The panel burst into laughter, with Micah Richards urging Maddison to recreate his darts celebration on camera. He happily obliged, saying: “Oh, I will, Micah, with pleasure – Roy Keane, that’s for you, son!”
Now, after appearing on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Maddison has addressed his feud with Keane and added some light-hearted humour to the situation, admitting he is a big fan of the former midfielder-turned-pundit.
“I remember that week,” Maddison started. “I love Roy Keane. People have asked me about him a lot since that. If I am watching the TV I am watching Roy Keane because he is box office, he is entertaining.
James Maddison hit back at Roy Keane last season
“He was a top, top player and he is great to watch. He gave me a bit of criticism during the week and I ended up scoring against United. If you’re not allowed to hit back at him, what’s the point?”
Jamie Carragher added: “I love that, coming back and having that character and personality. Why would you just take criticism? You should give a little bit back. It was in a respectful manner and it was brilliant.”
Maddison hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football this season after he injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in pre-season. Although Maddison returned to the grass for a light session on Monday morning, he is not expected to return for at least another couple of months.
The ex-Leicester and Norwich playmaker scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 45 matches across all competitions for Tottenham last season.
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