Roy Keane shared photographs and footage of himself enjoying time with his three grandchildren, offering followers a glimpse of his gentler nature.
The former Manchester United captain marked his 54th birthday on Sunday with an Instagram post that revealed a tender family man behind the fearsome reputation.
The Cork native, who built his career as an uncompromising midfielder, posted images of himself playing in swimming pools and on beaches with the youngsters. His caption read: "Happy Birthday to me. All the gifts I need."
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The social media post stands in stark contrast to the tough-guy image Keane cultivated during his playing career at Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Celtic.
Roy Keane took to social media to show his softer side
|The birthday celebration footage began with Keane floating on an inflatable in a swimming pool, sporting sunglasses and displaying a noticeable tan. Further images captured him cradling his youngest grandchild inside a holiday residence.
Beach photographs depicted the Irishman constructing sandcastles with another grandchild. Pool scenes showed him grinning whilst sharing an inflatable dragon toy with two of the children.
Video clips featured one grandchild leaping into the water, followed by Keane lifting and tossing the child playfully into the air. The collection concluded with an image of the football legend pushing a pram containing one of his grandchildren.
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These intimate family moments paint a picture far removed from his notorious on-pitch persona.
The post attracted numerous birthday greetings from his 2.3 million Instagram followers. Sky Sports' The Overlap account commented: "Happy Birthday Roy!"
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One supporter wrote: "Have a great one, sir. You're nothing but a breath of fresh air." Another remarked: "Imagine your grandad being Roy Keane man."
Boxing trainer David Coldwell added: "The main man. Happy Birthday!" whilst other followers made light-hearted references to Keane's famous quotes, with one joking: "Looking after the grandkids? That's his job."
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The Irishman typically maintains strict privacy regarding his personal life. His most recent grandchild arrived in April, whom Keane introduced through a cheerful Instagram post at the time.
His daughter Leah is betrothed to Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has earned one England cap. The 23-year-old footballer appears to have adopted Keane's approach to maintaining privacy about their relationship.
Roy Keane has garnered a reputation as a tough-guy
| PAThe former Republic of Ireland player was recently spotted providing an autograph to a young supporter at a Cork City match in his hometown.
Keane is set to resume his television duties as a Sky Sports analyst for the upcoming season. His former club Manchester United continues to generate drama on and off the pitch, and observers anticipate his characteristically sharp commentary will feature prominently as the team attempts yet another rebuild under new leadership.