Roy Keane was as quick-witted as ever to leave Ian Wright in stitches while on punditry duty for the FA Cup tie between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Manchester United legend Keane and Gunners icon Wright joined presenter Mark Pougatch in the ITV studio to provide analysis of Friday night's fourth-round clash between the two favourites for this season's Premier League title. But the most entertaining moment of the pre-match coverage came in the form of a humorous one-liner from Keane.
The trio were discussing the cagey interview Pep Guardiola had given to Gabriel Clarke minutes earlier. The City manager had very little to say in response to the questions he was asked, which were centred on his relationship with Mikel Arteta and whether he would have a drink with the Arsenal boss after the match.
"It's funny, I never hear anything out of these interviews," Wright said of Guardiola's interaction with Clarke. "He always seems like somebody that doesn't want to be doing them. It's really strange because I thought Gabriel was on good form there. He wasn't being nasty, Gabe..."
At that point, Keane interjected: "I think Pep should smile a bit more - and that's coming from me!" The Irishman left Wright in hysterics with his quick remark, which made light of the fact he is viewed as a killjoy by many fans.
Keane notoriously tore into the Brazil squad over their dancing during goal celebrations during the World Cup in Qatar, taking numerous shots at the Selecao stars. The former United captain had a hardman reputation during his playing days and carried that over to his acclaimed punditry career, but he put that on hold with his one-liner to usher in the weekend's FA Cup action.
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While Guardiola's terse responses to Clarke's questions were what set up Keane's joke, the Spaniard had far more to say about his relationship with compatriot Arteta during his press conference on Thursday. "I had the feeling, we knew it when he was here," Guardiola said of his former assistant's managerial quality, reflecting on their three-and-a-half years together at City.
"I don't know my part on him but his influence on me was great, massive, so important in becoming a better manager. If I had left, Mikel would be here and he would be the best, absolutely.
"I know he went to 'his' club, the team he dreams of. He's a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club. I remember when we were together here, when we scored goals, he'd jump a lot and celebrate except against one team, Arsenal."
