Arsenal hero Martin Keown apologised to Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy on Saturday, more than 21 years after the duo were involved in an infamous clash on the Old Trafford pitch. The two men came face-to-face at the King Power Stadium ahead of Leicester’s clash with the Gunners.
Keown and Van Nistelrooy both appeared to be in good spirits as they shook hands ahead of the match.
And the former defender insisted he was sorry for his actions during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with United in September 2003.
“Martin, you okay? Good to see you,” Van Nistelrooy began as the Dutchman joined Keown and Joe Cole for an interview ahead of kick-off.
Keown responded: “Nice to see you after all these years.” The Leicester boss replied: “It’s been a while eh? I’ve seen you once, at Villa Park, remember?”
And the ex-Arsenal centre-back exclaimed: “Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day.”
Arsenal visited Old Trafford during the early stages of the 2003/04 season as the Red Devils’ biggest title rivals.
And after Van Nistelrooy had cannoned a penalty off the crossbar, Keown took delight as he bounded into the striker and shouted in his face.
The miss ensured the Gunners took a point away from Old Trafford and allowed them to go on a run that saw them become the only team in Premier League history to go an entire season without losing a single game. The achievement has never been matched.
“Hey what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch,” Van Nistelrooy continued as he addressed the Old Trafford incident. Keown then exclaimed: “I thought you were going to stamp on me.”
Cole joked: “He’s never apologised for kicking me, ever.” And Van Nistelrooy added: “I’m happy that I have him in front of me, not at the back of me. No it was good. They were good rivalries weren’t they?”
Keown agreed: “Great days. I’m glad you’re standing there and not next to me because you used to love to stamp on me.”
And the Dutchman finished: “I liked to block you out as well and then fall over.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.