James Maddison leaves Roy Keane red-faced with cheeky dig after Europa League final

Tottenham midfielder put in an uncomfortable position during his post-match interview after the final. brought an end to their 17-year wait for silverware with over in Bilbao, courtesy of Brennan Johnson's decisive strike, bundled in after a deflected cross off slipped past Andre Onana.

Although sidelined for the final due to injury, Maddison didn't miss the opportunity to remind one of his loudest critics - Keane - that he was now a Europa League champion. Earlier this season, the former United captain had criticised Maddison's inconsistency and mocked his darts celebration.

So when the midfielder joined CBS Sports' post-match coverage, he proudly flashed his winner's medal. Opening the segment, he quipped: "I wasn't gonna do any interviews but I heard Roy Keane was in the studio tonight!"

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The panel burst into laughter, with urging the 28-year-old to recreate his darts celebration on camera. Maddison happily obliged, saying: "Oh, I will, Micah, with pleasure - Roy Keane, that's for you, son!"

A slightly flustered Keane fired back with a good-natured dig, noting that Maddison hadn't actually played in the final: "I've always said he's a good player, he needs to be more consistent, simple as that. And he played well tonight."

Maddison cheekily responded: "I'm the reason we're here tonight, Roy." Keane wrapped up the exchange with a smile, acknowledging: "Don't worry, I know you played your part. Well done."

The former ace then reflected on the significance of the win, highlighting how media criticism helped fuel the team's determination and how lifting the trophy marked a turning point after years of disappointment for the club.

Toward the end of the interview, Richards asked him to name his favourite pundit on the panel. Maddison responded with a smirk: "Roy's not a regular, is he?" prompting to jump in with a cheeky jab: "A bit like you at Spurs!"

Without missing a beat, Maddison shot back: "Turned up in all the big ones, Carra. You go and check your stats." The studio erupted in laughter once more before Maddison named Richards as his favourite and headed off to join the rest of the Spurs squad in celebration, ready to kick back and "enjoy a beer".

Keane - never one to sugar coat analysis - in the lead-up to Tottenham's 1-0 win over United back in February. "We saw James Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off! Tamworth are non-league," he said.

"People say, 'Maddison's the man', but when is he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with and [looks like] with Spurs. Maddison isn't bad but if you think he's going to come back and get Spurs top six, you're in cuckoo land.

"He's a talented player, but if you're a player in the Spurs dressing room and he's back in the squad, you wouldn't be looking and going, 'James is back today – we're going to be fine!'."

Maddison ended up scoring the only goal of the game, and he celebrated with a 'shush' celebration that many felt was aimed at Keane. He also with a post on TikTok after the game.

Tottenham's win in Bilbao not only means they've ended their long wait for a major piece of silverware, it also sees them seal an unlikely route into next season's . United, meanwhile, are left picking up the pieces after enduring their worst domestic season in over half a century.

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