Keane isn't homesick

Robbie Keane: Has played down reports suggesting he is looking for a route back to Britain

Robbie Keane has refuted claims that he has suffered with homesickness since swapping life in the Premier League for that in the MLS.

The Republic of Ireland international linked up with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011, a move which saw him leave British shores for the first time since taking in an ill-fated spell at Inter Milan in 2000.

Keane took the decision to head to America after slipping out of favour at Tottenham Hotspur.

He felt a fresh start was needed to inject new life into his football, and he helped the Galaxy to MLS Cup glory during his first season with the club.

It was, however, suggested that he was missing the comforts of home and he joined Aston Villa on a short-term loan deal in January 2012.

Three goals in six Premier League outings proved that he still has what it takes to compete at that level, but Keane insists his immediate future lies in California.

"I am an LA Galaxy player. I know there was a lot of talk about me being homesick or whatever it was - I don't really know where that has come from."
Robbie Keane Quotes of the week

He said: "At the end of the day, I am a Galaxy player. Both parties knew what the situation was before I went there.

Committed

"I am an LA Galaxy player. I know there was a lot of talk about me being homesick or whatever it was - I don't really know where that has come from.

"At the moment, I am a Galaxy player and I am really looking forward getting back and getting back playing with the lads again."

While fully committed to his current employers, Keane admits he thoroughly enjoyed his time at Villa Park - with a loan deal having allowed him to work on his sharpness during the MLS off-season.

He said: "It's like anything - you want to play and play every week if you can and keep yourself fit.

"Every player wants to play every Saturday or whenever it is. I have said loads of time before, I am not one of these players that likes to sit on the bench and be happy to pick up my money.

"I want to earn my money. I love waking up on a Saturday morning and getting myself ready for the game, and that's been good, certainly in the last six months."