It appears West Ham United star Declan Rice is not going to be left alone to get on with his career.
The dust was just starting to settle on the international row which engulfed the 20-year-old West Ham hero’s decision to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.
Rice has since featured for the Three Lions on three occasions in two separate international meet-ups.
Hey teachers, leave those kids alone
The world and its wife seems to have had its say on the West Ham man, much of it negative, particularly from the Irish side of the water.
Debate had died down of late, though, as Rice looks to try and replicate his superb West Ham form on the international stage.
But new Republic assistant boss Robbie Keane has decided to cast the West Ham midfielder back into the spotlight with a sweary rant.
In an interview with the Irish Mirror, former West Ham forward Keane – who switched club allegiance TWELVE times in a nomadic career – used the ‘F’ word three times as he delivered his rant.
Sweary Keane takes aim at Rice
Keane was asked about Ireland’s pursuit of Patrick Bamford to play for the Emerald Isle and his answer was a clear pop at Rice.
“That’s what f*****g winds me up – we shouldn’t be chasing people, they should want to play for us,” Keane told the Irish Mirror.
“Why should we go and chase people? We are f******g Ireland. We have qualified in the last few years for two Euros, World Cup 2002.
“If you want to come, come. Represent your country and be proud to play for your country. If you don’t, don’t waste anybody’s time. Don’t waste the manager’s time.
“I spoke about this general issue years ago and the values are still the same – they will never change.
‘I’m genuinely not interested’
“You’re representing your country and if you want to play for Ireland, you come and play for us. We’re not going to go and chase you.
“Don’t just use us as a tool for other countries to come in for you. Be proud of your country. Be proud to play for Ireland.
“You know what, I don’t even want headlines, I don’t care, he’s (Rice) gone. Adios, see you later. I’m genuinely not interested.
“If he doesn’t want to play for us, no problem, we’ll get players who want to play for us. He’s an English player.
“I don’t know Declan Rice. I never met him, apart from when I met him with Mick.”
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