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Aston Villa's Robbie Keane rules out permanent return to Premier League from LA Galaxy
The Republic of Ireland international is on loan at Villa Park on a short-term deal but insists he has no plans on leaving the MLS to return to England on a permanent basis
Jan 15, 2012 12:20:00 AM
By Danny Hart
Getty Images
Robbie Keane has ruled out making a permanent move back to the Premier League after joining Aston Villa on loan from LA Galaxy.
The Irishman has moved to Villa Park on a two-month loan deal in a bid to boost his fitness ahead of the new MLS season in March, but he insists he is happy to stay in America after enjoying a successful first few months which saw him win the MLS Cup.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “Come back permanently? No. I am quite happy in the MLS. I have really enjoyed the three months I have had there so far. It is a great lifestyle out there for the family.
“It’s nice to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months, but when that ends I am looking forward to getting back with the Galaxy.
"I was having the time off that I wanted, but then I got some phone calls and when one of them was from Villa it was a club I felt immediately I would be comfortable with, because of the people I already know there.”
The Republic of Ireland striker also insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football, with new Villa team-mates Richard Dunne and Shay Given also keen to continue playing for their country.
“I’ve made it clear that I am happy enough to keep playing for Ireland as long as I feel sharp enough to do so,” he added.
“At the moment if I still feel good then there will be no reason to retire.
“I believe Richard and Shay have already said they want to carry on, and Shay is about 50 now!”
| Bet: | Returns: | Houston Dynamo £20.00 | Draw £32.50 | Los Angeles Galaxy £34.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Houston Dynamo £20.00 | Draw £35.00 | Los Angeles Galaxy £32.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Houston Dynamo £19.09 | Draw £32.00 | Los Angeles Galaxy £34.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Houston Dynamo £19.10 | Draw £34.00 | Los Angeles Galaxy £40.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Houston Dynamo £19.50 | Draw £32.00 | Los Angeles Galaxy £36.00 |
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The Irishman has moved to Villa Park on a two-month loan deal in a bid to boost his fitness ahead of the new MLS season in March, but he insists he is happy to stay in America after enjoying a successful first few months which saw him win the MLS Cup.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “Come back permanently? No. I am quite happy in the MLS. I have really enjoyed the three months I have had there so far. It is a great lifestyle out there for the family.
“It’s nice to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months, but when that ends I am looking forward to getting back with the Galaxy.
"I was having the time off that I wanted, but then I got some phone calls and when one of them was from Villa it was a club I felt immediately I would be comfortable with, because of the people I already know there.”
The Republic of Ireland striker also insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football, with new Villa team-mates Richard Dunne and Shay Given also keen to continue playing for their country.
“I’ve made it clear that I am happy enough to keep playing for Ireland as long as I feel sharp enough to do so,” he added.
“At the moment if I still feel good then there will be no reason to retire.
“I believe Richard and Shay have already said they want to carry on, and Shay is about 50 now!”
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