Keane was the captain of the Ireland squad going into the 2002 World Cup but he did not make it to the tournament in South Korea and Japan as it turned out.
Prior to 2002, Keane had voiced his frustration many times regarding the lack of training facilities, dietary facilities, and the travel arrangements as well. He had also publicly criticised former coach Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy, who was the coach in 2002.
The Irish preparations for the World Cup were carried out on the island of Saipan. Unhappy with the state of preparations, Keane gave an interview stating all the faults and why he was thinking of leaving the squad.
After the interview was published, it led to a confrontation in the locker room between McCarthy and Keane. Keane directed scathing words at his manager, many of which cannot be repeated here. Furious, he criticised McCarthy the coach and McCarthy the man and left the team.
He could not mend his personal relations and ultimately missed the World Cup. In 2013, Keane said that he regretted his decision and should have played for his country. Ireland lost to Spain in the Round of 16 in Keane’s absence.