Before being hired as the new head coach of Ferencvaros, the Hungarian champions, Robbie Keane had discussions with a number of clubs on a coaching comeback, according to Football365.
After leaving his position as manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel in June, Keane, 44, returned to coaching on Monday, taking over at Ferencvaros as the former captain of the Republic of Ireland.
"We announce the successor to Dutchman Pascal Jansen to lead our 35-time champion and 24-time cup winner team, as the 146-time Republic of Ireland national team player Robbie Keane has signed on Monday," as said in a statement on the club's official website.
"On Sunday evening, the new head coach arrived in Budapest, and he will depart on Tuesday to join our team at the training camp in Spain."
The opening at Ferencvaros resulted from Jansen's decision to take over at New York City FC. In recent weeks, Keane was contacted by the American Major League Soccer team as they were considering him for their opening.
Keane discussed taking over at Cardiff City, but the Welsh Championship team was unable to accept his desire to bring his employees with him.
Prior to Coventry City hiring Frank Lampard as their new head coach, he was also on the shortlist of applicants for the position.
In addition to having discussions with a Scottish Premiership team and a Greek side, Asteras Tripolis, and a Turkish team, Fahih Karagumruk, Keane was a candidate to take over at Union SG in Belgium.
Keane was waiting to finalize what he considered to be the ideal challenge, and Ferencvaros met all of his requirements. As he considered his alternatives, the chance to coach in the Europa League was one of the main draws for Keane.
The Hungarian team is in a strong position to guarantee a play-off spot ahead of their final group stage matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and AZ Alkmaar, having won three of their first six games in the competition this year.
"People are the most crucial element in a football team, in my opinion. After his appointment, Keane stated, "Alex Ferguson told me in the summer that it's important to pick the people rather than the club."
"The real job begins in Spain, therefore I am forward to meet the players and staff there. Yes, we are aware that we are a good team, but what exactly does that mean? Can you play thrilling, spirited football the way I like to play, and can you go out and thrill the fans?
And whether it's just one game or we have to play it in every game in Europe, I believe fans will like the way my team plays. I will convey that message to the players.
"I want the supporters to leave feeling satisfied that they came to see a truly outstanding football squad, regardless of the side we play.
"I want to provide the fans with thrilling football, which is what they want." With two million people living in the city and one of the largest clubs in the nation, I'm hoping we can draw in a lot more supporters and pack the stadium. My goal is to attract people by playing quality football.
"My goal is always the next game; I don't have any targets. Everybody wants to win, so I know in my mind what I want to do. If the players and I are on the same page, I can see that they have the same mindset as me and that we push ourselves to improve every day.
After leading Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli championship last May, Keane will be aiming to win a league title in his second permanent managerial position.
In the Hungarian league, Ferencvaros is currently one point behind leaders Puskas Akademia in second place.
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