Former Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer has disclosed that he and former captain Roy Keane have resolved their long-standing feud, which dates back to their playing days. The two, who once clashed publicly following a disagreement over Keane’s autobiography, have now moved past their rivalry.

During his career, McAteer, who played for clubs including Liverpool and Sunderland, was notably elbowed by Keane in an on-field incident linked to tensions surrounding the book. In a recent interview, McAteer revealed that he has never fully read the autobiography. Instead, he glanced at the index, found the brief paragraph mentioning him, read it, and then closed the book.

The reconciliation between the former teammates occurred gradually, as both continue to live in the same local area. McAteer recounted how Keane unexpectedly paid for his breakfast, using the gesture to break the ice between them. Since then, they have engaged in several positive conversations.

McAteer expressed sincere goodwill toward Keane, emphasizing that with maturity and time, both have developed a greater capacity for forgiveness. Reflecting on their past confrontations, McAteer described their interactions as those of fierce competitors but made clear his enduring respect for Keane’s abilities on the pitch. He even ranked Keane as a close second to Bryan Robson among Manchester United’s greatest midfielders.

The former Ireland internationals’ renewed rapport highlights how time and circumstance can heal even the most public sports rivalries.