Get Updates
Get notified of breaking news, exclusive insights, and must-see stories!

Van Nistelrooy pained at missing Keane's testimonial

KATWIJK, Netherlands, May 9 (Reuters) Ruud van Nistelrooy says it will be painful missing former team mate Roy Keane's testimonial today following the Dutch striker's fall-out with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

Speculation has surrounded the future of van Nistelrooy, who is taking part in a World Cup training camp in Katwijk, since he went home after being left out of United's final Premier League game of the season against Charlton Athletic on Sunday.

Media reports said Ferguson had told the player he would take no part in the testimonial match between United and Keane's Celtic side at Old Trafford.

''The training camp is taking my mind off it (the testimonial), especially as I cannot be there,'' van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports. ''For me it's painful.

''I wanted to pay my respects to Roy. I wasn't allowed to so that was the most painful thing.'' The Dutch team's first World Cup match is against Group C opponents Serbia and Montenegro in Leipzig on June 11.

Reuters PDS VP0028

Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+