On 12 June 2006, in a move that shocked his legions of fans at Celtic and Manchester United, Roy Keane announced his retirement from football. Keane claimed the decision was forced on him by a hip injury, but was that the real story?

The news was greeted with a storm of speculation, and some suggested that he had left the Old Firm giants after a series of bust-ups with manager Gordon Strachan. Others claimed he had never got over his abrupt departure from Manchester United the previous November.

In this revealing biography, Frank Worrall goes behind the headlines to reveal the real Roy Keane. With the help of those who know Keane best, he builds up an illuminating picture of what makes this complex man tick and lays bare his inner demons. From Keane's early days in Cork, through his learning period with Brian Clough, on to his golden era at United and his farewell at Celtic, this is an engrossing look at a man who has been the most talked-about British footballer of his generation.