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

Roy Keane has backed Wayne Bridge's decision to quit England and claimed: "International football is no longer the pinnacle for players."Manchester City left-back Bridge withdrew from the England squad on Wednesday over Chelsea skipper's John Terry's affair with his ex-girlfriend.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. Support: Roy Keane does not blame Wayne Bridge for walking out on EnglandIpswich boss Keane said: 'The pinnacle now is getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde.'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.He admitted: 'I have some identity with players who aren't happy with the set-up.'The easiest thing would be to do what everyone is telling you to do and just sit there with your mouth shut.'They will say 'Keep your head down, say nothing and keep the peace'. Do I sound like a man of experience?'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.'Keane recalled his own dramatic walk-out and insisted players have to be content with their surroundings in order to perform at their best.He went on: 'The most important thing for any footballer is what goes on between the ears and people tend to forget that. Pulled out: Wayne Bridge will not play in the World Cup for England this summer '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?'In my case it was the principle of working with people who questioned me and I said'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.'A player's mindset is sometimes more important than winning the World Cup.'You might think that's crazy but if a player is not happy I would call it a brave decision to pull out.'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.' 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