Robbie Keane: Inter Milan switch a learning opportunity
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has said he learned a lot from the time he spent at Inter Milan ahead of the two sides' encounter in the Champions League this week.
The Italian champions host Tottenham at the San Siro on Wednesday, 20 October. For Keane, who rejoined the London club from Liverpool in February last year, the return to Milan will be something special.
The Irishman, then 19, spent six months at Inter in 2000 after being scooped up by manager Marcello Lippi, who had been ordered to scout for young talent.
"I was only a young lad at the time but it's something I will never regret," the Irish national team captain told Sky Sports News about his time with the Italian team, where he trained alongside some of
the best players in the world. "[Christian] Vieri, Ronaldo, [Alvaro] Recoba were all there. They were great players and playing with good players every day in training, you obviously learn a lot and I think it really helped me as a player."
No regrets about short spell in Italy
After making only six league appearances for Inter, the striker was loaned to Leeds United at the start of 2001, but Keane said he does not rue his failure to establish himself in the starting eleven at
Inter.
"I had a great time over there, I really enjoyed it. They are great people over there so it's something I can look back on, to go over there as a 19-year-old kid and play for one of the biggest clubs in
the world, as one of the greatest times in my life and something I will never forget."
This season, Keane has spent most of his time on Tottenham's bench, with seven of his eight appearances in all competitions coming as a substitute for Harry Redknapp's team.
"It would be a great game to be involved in," the 30-year-old added about the Champions League fixture that could prove decisive for the outcome of Group A. "Hopefully I will play some part and it would
be nice to score and help us to get a good result."
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