Keane too. Football is ruthless m8
In such cases clubs/managers often cut the player and barely give them enough time for a proper goodbye at the training ground.
It seems like they are are worried about the effect on the squad of seeing a disaffected/shellshocked player being sent to pasture, especially if the player has build up strong relationships & power base at the club over the years.
Lower down the tree it's even worse. Guys getting told by text etc. Sure, lots of footballers have the chance to make serious wedge - but they're also human and not well equipped deal well with having their support structure whipped from under them at short notice.
For every big, celebratory exit full of pomp & ceremony (Gerrard & Terry come to mind) there's countless players who are barely given a handshake good bye. It seems that players only ever get a decent farewell if the player:
- Recognises that their legs are shot & they don't press for one last high-wage extension
- Has enough profile that the club can use the farewell as "content"