GLASGOW, Dec 15: Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has joined Celtic, the Scottish club announced on Thursday. Keane, 34, has agreed an 18-month deal after leaving Manchester United last month.

The Irish midfielder had attracted interest from half the clubs in the Premiership and firm offers from Everton and Bolton.

But he had made it clear he would prefer not to join another Premiership club and have to return to Old Trafford as an opponent of the club he served with distinction for 12 years.

When Real Madrid’s interest cooled earlier this week, that left the way clear for Celtic, who are reported to have put together a salary package worth around 45,000 pounds, half what he earned at Manchester United.

It is believed that a portion of Keane’s salary will be paid directly by Celtic’s major shareholder, Dermot Desmond.

Keane hardly needs the money. He is already a multi-millionaire and, under the terms of his departure from United, will continue to be paid by them until the end of this season, when his final contract was due to expire.

Instead, he has opted for the chance to play in front of one of the most passionate sets of fans in world football for a club whose fortunes he has followed since he was a boy.—AFP