James Maddison gives the best interview of the year after gate-crashing Roy Keane’s appearance on CBS Sports

James Maddison Aims Witty Jab at Roy Keane in Entertaining Post-Match Interview Following Tottenham’s Europa League Triumph
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison may have been sidelined due to injury, but that didn’t stop him from making a memorable impact off the pitch following Spurs’ hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night (21 May) in Bilbao.
Although Maddison, 28, wasn’t available for selection, he joined his teammates in jubilant celebrations after the club ended their 17-year trophy drought – their first piece of silverware since the 2008 League Cup. And while he didn’t play a minute in the final, the England international stole the spotlight with a cheeky post-match interview that took a humorous swipe at none other than Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
Speaking pitchside to CBS Sports after the final whistle, Maddison was interviewed by former Manchester United goalkeeper and CBS pundit Peter Schmeichel. In the CBS studio, Keane was joined by fellow analysts Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher, both of whom clearly enjoyed the banter that followed.
“I wasn’t going to do any interviews tonight,” Maddison quipped with a grin. “But then I heard Roy Keane was in the studio.”
His remark prompted laughter from the panel, especially from Richards, who encouraged Maddison to perform his signature darts-throwing celebration. Maddison happily obliged. “Oh, I will, Micah – with pleasure!” he said, mimicking the motion with a flourish.
The attacking midfielder then turned to more heartfelt reflections on the club’s success and his personal disappointment at not being able to feature. “What a special feeling,” he said. “Winning makes the whole season worth it. Not being able to play was tough – the hardest part is not being able to help the team when it matters most. But seeing the lads lift the trophy, being a part of this moment, it’s incredible.”
He added, “This isn’t just about qualifying for the Champions League – it’s about giving the fans something to finally celebrate. They’ve waited so long and stuck with us through some tough times. Tonight, this win is for them.”
Maddison’s comments – particularly his dig at Keane – seemed to be in response to some blunt criticism the former United captain made earlier in the season. During an episode of The Overlap, Keane questioned Maddison’s leadership qualities and influence within the Spurs squad.
“Maddison’s not bad when he’s not at the darts,” Keane joked at the time, referencing the midfielder’s well-known love of the sport. “But if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land.”
Keane continued, “He’s talented, sure. But if you’re in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison walks back in, you’re not thinking, ‘Great, everything’s sorted now.’ He’s not that type of player.”
Maddison’s return jibe on CBS was clearly a well-timed response, delivered with a smile and a touch of class. While he may not have had the chance to answer Keane on the pitch due to injury, he certainly delivered a winning reply in the studio.
With the Europa League title now secured and a place in next season’s Champions League confirmed, Maddison and his Spurs teammates can look ahead to a new chapter filled with renewed belief – and maybe a little extra motivation to keep proving the doubters wrong.