“Martin Keown’s Shocking Apology to Leicester Boss Ruud van Nistelrooy LIVE on TV – Here’s Why
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy had an impressive career as a player, particularly known for his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid, where he was a prolific striker.
The Dutch forward enjoyed a standout five years at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances.
He played a key role in the fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal, often facing off against Martin Keown in some memorable and intense encounters.
So, when the two crossed paths at the King Power Stadium last month, the interaction started off awkwardly. However, Keown eventually decided to apologise for his rough treatment of Van Nistelrooy during their playing days.
The former Arsenal defender has now explained why he chose to make amends after all these years.
Martin Keown Apologises to Van Nistelrooy to Be the ‘Bigger Man’
In an interview with WhatToWatch, Keown explained his decision to publicly apologise to Van Nistelrooy on national television, saying it was a moment to “be the bigger man.”
“There comes a time when you have to step back and take the high road,” Keown shared. “It’s not just Ruud, I’ve been apologising to strikers for the past 21 years since I stopped playing because all of them got the same treatment.
Maybe Ruud received a bit more than the others, but I don’t have a problem with him. I wish him the best.”
Keown also spoke about Van Nistelrooy’s current struggles at Leicester, acknowledging the team’s challenging run: “They’ve lost 12 of their last 13 games, so things are tough for him. But Ruud doesn’t seem like the type of manager to panic, which could be what they need to turn things around.”
However, Keown noted that Leicester’s recent goal-scoring drought was a serious issue, adding, “It shows you can be a great player, but becoming a great manager takes something special.”
Van Nistelrooy and Keown Share a Laugh
Van Nistelrooy accepted Keown’s apology graciously, and the two shared a lighthearted moment, joking about their past on-field battles.
“What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” Van Nistelrooy said with a smile. “I’m happy to have him in front of me now, not behind me. It was a good rivalry, wasn’t it?”
Keown agreed, laughing, “Great days, great days. I’m just glad you’re standing there now and not next to me—because you used to love stamping on me.”
Van Nistelrooy responded with a grin, “I’d try to block you out, and then fall over.”
