Roy Keane may have been one of the most menacing characters in football during his playing days, but he's mellowed a little bit in recent years.Sure, he's prone to the occasional rant. But we see a more open and thoughtful side to Keane these days.It's turned the former Manchester United midfielder into one of the most interesting pundits to watch. One who provides decent insight while also connecting well with those he works with.It's a far cry from the fiery player who clashed with referees and opposing players, took no prisoners and said it how it is when he spoke to the media.Keane was truly one of a kind. An intimidating presence on the field, he helped generate an aura around Man United that made them such a force under Sir Alex Ferguson before.p1fhnns29l1ausckq959llfp9vb.jpg

Keane always kept it real

Keane joined Man United from Nottingham Forest in 1993, and he went on to enjoy a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford.

But before the spotlight that big Champions League encounters and Premier League triumphs offered, the Irishman made a name for himself under Brian Clough at Forest.

A 21-year-old Keane was on the wishlist of some of the biggest names in the game, including Liverpool and Real Madrid.

And one man who had taken an interest in him was none other than Diego Maradona.

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Keane dismissed praise from Maradona

Keane's Ireland played at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in 1992 and Maradona, a Sevilla player at the time, watched the match.

He was effusive in his praise of the midfielder afterwards, saying: "He impressed me with everything he did - nobody could touch him out there. He is for the future."

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How did Keane react? 

Just as you'd expect.

"Nah I just don't take any notice of it, you know," he said.

"Just concentrate playing week in, week out for Forest trying to play well - simple as that."

Priceless. 

You would've thought Keane had never even heard of Maradona, such was his reaction.

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