Micah Richards, 38, has confirmed he will retire from football punditry by 2034, while his Sky Sports colleague Roy Keane, 55, is set to exit his punditry role before him. Richards, a former England and Manchester City right-back, revealed his intention to step away from media by the time he turns 46, citing a desire to focus on community work in his hometown of Chapeltown, Leeds. Keane, a former Manchester United midfielder, has already stated he will not be a pundit in 2034, with his retirement timeline potentially arriving as early as 2033.
Richards, who retired from professional football in 2019, has become a staple on Sky Sports, BBC Match of the Day, and CBS Sports. His retirement plan includes a shift to grassroots initiatives, aiming to support young talent in Chapeltown, where he grew up. 'I want to make a difference to people’s lives at a grassroots level,' he said, emphasizing his goal to avoid 'being canceled' while continuing his punditry work until 2034.
Keane, meanwhile, has hinted at a potential relocation, mentioning Switzerland as a possible destination during a 2024 interview. The Irishman, who has worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and ITV, recently stated he would 'struggle for the next 10 months doing this' and plans to 'be out of this rat race' within 12 months. His comments came after a 2024 conversation with Gary Neville, where he envisioned a life 'with a nice house, a bit of land, and a few animals' by age 63.
Both players have remained active in media, with Richards recently confirming his exit from mainstream football coverage after the 2034 World Cup. Keane, despite his relocation plans, continues to provide analysis for Sky Sports, with the new Premier League season underway. Their retirement timelines underscore a growing trend among former players to prioritize personal and community projects over long-term punditry careers.
