The former Ireland captain and record goalscorer retired from international duty last August following 18 years of service to the senior side, having scored 68 goals in 146 appearances.
Several former international and club teammates and managers paid tribute to the 36-year-old, but one in particular stole the show.
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His old partner in crime in the Tottenham attack, Dimitar Berbatov gave a glowing account of their time together at White Hart Lane, and there was no shortage of humour in between.
“So Robbie Keane and Hall of Fame. The best possible partnership.
“But is there any other partnership that can be compared to this one? What do you think, Keano? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? I know you do mate, I know you do.
Remember, you and me on the pitch. Making fun of the defenders, scoring for fun. You, running for both of us, talking for both of us. I remember.
“Me playing with you actually made me a better player. You’re always there for the team, always helping the players — on the pitch, outside the pitch. In training, you are the full professional. In the games, you’re always fighting until the last minute, always trying to score.
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“You became the leading goalscorer of your country, what an achievement that is. So you fully deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to you, I wish you all the luck in the world in everything you do in life. It was an honour playing with you, man.”
Another ex-Tottenham teammate Michael Carrick, former teammate at Liverpool and LA Galaxy Steven Gerard and Brazil legend Pelé also weighed in with some kind words.
Keane's wife Claudine and sons, Robbie and Hudson were there to share the night with him. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
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'You and me, making fun of the defenders, scoring for fun': Dimitar Berbatov pays brilliant tribute to Keane
THERE WERE PLENTY of heartfelt tributes paid to Robbie Keane last night as he was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame.
The former Ireland captain and record goalscorer retired from international duty last August following 18 years of service to the senior side, having scored 68 goals in 146 appearances.
Several former international and club teammates and managers paid tribute to the 36-year-old, but one in particular stole the show.
His old partner in crime in the Tottenham attack, Dimitar Berbatov gave a glowing account of their time together at White Hart Lane, and there was no shortage of humour in between.
“So Robbie Keane and Hall of Fame. The best possible partnership.
“But is there any other partnership that can be compared to this one? What do you think, Keano? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? I know you do mate, I know you do.
“Me playing with you actually made me a better player. You’re always there for the team, always helping the players — on the pitch, outside the pitch. In training, you are the full professional. In the games, you’re always fighting until the last minute, always trying to score.
https://www.facebook.com/rtesoccer/videos/1279063845514604/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
“You became the leading goalscorer of your country, what an achievement that is. So you fully deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to you, I wish you all the luck in the world in everything you do in life. It was an honour playing with you, man.”
Another ex-Tottenham teammate Michael Carrick, former teammate at Liverpool and LA Galaxy Steven Gerard and Brazil legend Pelé also weighed in with some kind words.
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Dimitar Berbatov FAI Awards Hall of Fame Keano Michael Carrick Pele Robbie Keabe Soccer steven gerard tributes