Roy Keaane is recognized for being a hard character and off the field, first as a player, then as a pundit, with crunchy attacks and even tougher words on the camera.
But although he can be one of the most feared in football, away from the game and his family, he is like anyone else: a grandfather who encounters a softer side.
Recently, the former Manchester United captain showed this side on Instagram, sharing a series of snaps from a family party to celebrate his 54th anniversary.
Between the photos and the videos were Keane moments that splashed in the pool with their grandchildren, helping them to build sand castles on the beach and smiling with pride while he had his younger grandson and the third grandson, born earlier this year.
The subtitle of its birthday publication was as warm as pictures itself: “Happy birthday to me. All the gifts I need.”
For a man whose career was built in grana and steel, it was a rare public view of the softer moments that matter.
Even the most difficult captains result in a soft center.
