Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy says he has no time for former club captain Roy Keane.
McIlroy recalled a meeting with Keane as a youngster when the then Ireland skipper refused to give him an autograph.
McIlroy has not forgiven Keane for ignoring his request. He opened up about the importance of encouraging young fans and providing them with positive role models.
McIlroy made one young fans day by giving him has ball at the British Masters last week.
Rory McIlroy makes this kid’s day. The look on his face ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ #golf #sportsfocusgroup pic.twitter.com/eEoxdeDW37
— sportsfocusgroup (@sportfocusgroup) October 3, 2017
Speaking ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the four-time major champion said:
“I remember going and watching the World Match Play at Wentworth every October, and getting golf balls from Mark O’Meara or Sam Torrance.
“And I remember how good I felt. But I’ve had it go the other way, where I asked someone for an autograph as a kid and they didn’t give it to me.
“And I’ve never liked him since."
“It was Roy Keane,” McIlroy revealed when quizzed on the identity of the sports star that ruined his day.
“He should be one of my heroes because I was, and still am, a huge Manchester United fan.
“But I remember I went and asked him for his autograph at the Portmarnock Links Hotel when he was with the Ireland squad and he just said no.
“And it just sort of stuck with me ever since. So that's why if a kid asks me for an autograph, I always try to do it.”
McIlroy's beef with Keane is already coming back to bite him on the backside. Social media users are sharing clips of him snubbing autograph hunters.
Rory McIlroy - man of the people 👀 Cant wait to hear Roy Keane’s reply to this... pic.twitter.com/W4WdeZLgav
— phill (@phill_079) October 5, 2017
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