Keane: A big contract, a Bentley and the blonde is more important than England

26 February 2010 12:30
Roy Keane has backed Wayne Bridge's decision to quit England and claimed: "International football is no longer the pinnacle for players."[LNB]Manchester City left-back Bridge withdrew from the England squad on Wednesday over Chelsea skipper's John Terry's affair with his ex-girlfriend.[LNB]But former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain Keane does not blame Bridge and believes today's stars are more interested in perks than caps.[LNB] Support: Roy Keane does not blame Wayne Bridge for walking out on England[LNB]Ipswich boss Keane said: 'The pinnacle now is getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde.'[LNB]Keane famously stormed out of the Republic of Ireland squad on the eve of the World Cup finals in the Far East eight years ago after a bust-up with boss Mick McCarthy.[LNB]He admitted: 'I have some identity with players who aren't happy with the set-up.[LNB]'The easiest thing would be to do what everyone is telling you to do and just sit there with your mouth shut.[LNB]'They will say 'Keep your head down, say nothing and keep the peace'. Do I sound like a man of experience?[LNB]'But if you're not happy you're not going to perform to the best of your ability and ultimately you will let your team-mates down.'[LNB]Keane recalled his own dramatic walk-out and insisted players have to be content with their surroundings in order to perform at their best.[LNB]He went on: 'The most important thing for any footballer is what goes on between the ears and people tend to forget that.[LNB] Pulled out: Wayne Bridge will not play in the World Cup for England this summer [LNB]'Do you want to go away for six weeks with other players you are not comfortable with and who are maybe showing you a lack of respect?[LNB]'In my case it was the principle of working with people who questioned me and I said[LNB]'I'm not putting up with it' - simple as that. It chipped away at me. People say 'Go with the flow' but you know what goes with the flow? Dead fish.[LNB]'A player's mindset is sometimes more important than winning the World Cup.[LNB]'You might think that's crazy but if a player is not happy I would call it a brave decision to pull out.'[LNB]Keane is adamant Bridge's withdrawal will not weaken Fabio Capello's chances of lifting the famous trophy in South Africa. He added: 'Let's not kid ourselves - England are not short of left-backs.'[LNB] Emmanuel Adebayor adds to Manchester City woes as striker lands four-match suspension EXCLUSIVE: John Terry didn't say sorry - the real reason Wayne Bridge quit EnglandMANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail