Ian Wright's reaction to Roy Keane fighting back tears over photo sums up person he is

Ian Wright's caring and kind nature was on full display (Image: YouTube/The Overlap)

Ian Wright showed his compassionate nature when Roy Keane was left fighting back tears after looking at an emotional picture.

The Manchester United legend battled to contain his tears as he presented a picture of his mother Marie and his father Maurice at the old Wembley Stadium to Jill Scott , Gary Neville , Jamie Carragher and Wright during a recent podcast appearance. Keane's father passed away at the age of 79 years old in August 2019, following a stroke towards the end of 2018.

For numerous football supporters, it would have been the first occasion they witnessed Keane's emotions overwhelming him. What would have been far less surprising was the sight of Wright instantly trying to console him.

The kind act summarised who the Arsenal legend, who boasts an extensive history of thoughtful acts, is as a person. During the most recent episode of the Stick to Football podcast , Keane presented the photograph to his colleagues.

As he did so, the former United captain said: "You're on about photos, look at that there. You're on about family, the ups and downs of football. But when you see your family at Wembley after you've won a big game.."

When Neville accepted the photograph from the Irishman, Keane reached across to Wright and patted his leg. The former Gunner subsequently turned towards him and placed his hand on his shoulder, whilst Keane attempted to suppress the tears.

As this emotional interaction happened, Neville, Carragher and Scott both continued talking amongst themselves to direct the conversation away from Keane, while he calmed himself down. Wright then commented, "it's a good one" and "that's beautiful" before requesting to see the photo again for another look with Keane.

The photo triggered many happy memories for Keane (Image: YouTube/The Overlap)

Scott also said: "That's why photographs are so good to keep aren't they? Like, some people have the photographs instead of [having them] on their phone."

Keane then unveiled another childhood picture of himself, stating: "I'm in a United top there but that is my brother's. I think the Spurs one was sold out," before clarifying he would have been 13 years old at the time.

The whole exchange was a spine-tingling and raw piece of video content which would have moved any football fan. It also displayed another side of Keane, who is largely known for his tenacious nature as a player and for his cutting comments as a pundit.

Wright immediately tried to comfort Keane (Image: YouTube/The Overlap)

This poignant moment wasn't the only instance where the pundits, known for their fiery debates, indulged in nostalgia. The former players all brought along copies of old contracts they had signed during their early footballing days.

Keane showcased a four-year contract he inked during his initial days at United, which guaranteed him an annual salary of £1million. The contract also included a clause stipulating the club would cover some flights from Manchester to his hometown Cork.

Reading the section of his contract aloud, he said: "The club will provide 20 return flights Manchester/Cork/Manchester for the use of the player, his partner and children for each year of this contract commencing from 1 July 2002."