James Maddison has humorously added a new chapter to his peculiar relationship with Roy Keane, who criticized the Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder earlier this season.
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James Maddison, like Tottenham Hotspur as a whole, has endured a season marked by ups and downs moments of brilliance offset by spells of inconsistency, injuries, and frustration.
The 28-year-old playmaker started the campaign brightly, quickly becoming a key figure under Ange Postecoglou after joining from Leicester City. However, a persistent knee injury derailed his momentum, forcing him to miss several key matches, including the climax of Spurs’ European journey the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
Despite not being fit to contribute on the pitch in the final, Maddison was very much part of the celebration after Spurs edged out United 1-0 to clinch the title. For a club that had faced scrutiny throughout the season for their defensive lapses and lack of consistency, the win served as a powerful statement. And for Maddison, who had to watch from the sidelines, it was a bittersweet but proud moment one that he used not only to soak in the joy of the triumph but also to settle a score.
"I wasn’t planning on doing any interviews, but then I heard Roy Keane was in the studio," Maddison said with a grin, sporting his winner’s medal around his neck during a light-hearted post-match chat with Peter Schmeichel on CBS Sports. His quip immediately lit up the studio, drawing laughter from the pundits including Micah Richards, who couldn’t resist asking Maddison to recreate his signature darts celebration. The moment was full of good-natured banter, and Maddison, ever the entertainer, happily played along.
The backdrop to this exchange goes back several months. Earlier in the season, Roy Keane had been sharply critical of Maddison. The Irishman, known for his no-nonsense approach, questioned Maddison’s commitment after he was spotted attending the World Darts Championship while recovering from illness. “He’s not a bad player when he’s not at the darts,” Keane had said. “But if you think he’s going to lead Spurs to a top-six finish, you’re out of your mind.”
The remark became one of the most talked-about quotes of the season, with Keane implying that Maddison lacked the focus and consistency needed to elevate Tottenham to elite status. Maddison, for his part, didn’t immediately respond publicly but he clearly didn’t forget.
In February, when Spurs defeated Manchester United in the Premier League and Maddison played a key role, he made subtle reference to Keane’s comments. But after Wednesday’s Europa League win the club’s first European silverware since 1984 the midfielder couldn’t resist a more direct jab, though it was all delivered with humour and a smile.
Even Keane, who was present in the studio as part of the broadcast team, seemed to take it in stride. With a chuckle, he acknowledged the tension and walked back some of his earlier statements. “I’ve always said he’s a good player, but he needs to be more consistent,” Keane said, softening his previous criticism.
For Maddison, the Europa League victory marked a defining moment not only for the club but also personally, given the challenges he faced this season. Missing the final due to injury was undoubtedly a disappointment, but the triumph offered a form of redemption.
"What a special feeling," Maddison said. "Winning makes up for the pain of not being able to play. Of course, you want to be on the pitch helping the team, but just being part of this squad, seeing what we've achieved, it's incredible. We’ve had setbacks this season myself included but this shows what we’re capable of when everything comes together."
The final whistle in Dublin not only crowned Tottenham as Europa League champions but also seemed to close a chapter in the ongoing exchange between Maddison and Keane. What began as a pointed critique evolved into a public display of mutual respect, with humour bridging the gap between generations of Premier League personalities.
As the celebrations continued into the night, Maddison medal in hand and smile on his face had the last word. And while he didn’t play a single minute in the final, his presence and personality ensured he remained at the heart of the story, just as he has been all season.
Updated: 09:58, 22 May 2025
