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Robbie Keane speaks out against MLS's use of artificial turf: 'I hate it'

Reuters

Robbie Keane and the Los Angeles Galaxy will look to capture a third MLS Cup in four years when they take on the New England Revolution on Sunday.

Given his success since joining the club in 2011, it would be reasonable to think the Irish striker has enjoyed his time in North America. For the most part, he has, although there's one aspect of the North American game he finds especially bothersome.

“I’ve said it before and said it so many times that if this league wants to progress, astroturf has to go,” the 34-year-old was quoted as saying by the Irish Examiner. “I hate it. In this day and age, playing on turf is not good enough. It’s completely different to play on. I don’t care what anybody says, I’ve played on it and it’s not good for you.

“So if this league wants to progress, it 100 per cent has to go.”

Keane recently spent three weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury that he attributes to the added stress of playing on artificial surfaces. 

And he's not alone. Thierry Henry, who recently announced that he won't return to the New York Red Bulls next season, had the same issue with the artificial surfaces, judging by his decision to avoid playing on them over the last four years.

Keane added that he is sympathetic towards his female peers, who have filed a lawsuit to ban the use of artificial turf for the 2015 Women's World Cup - a case they are unlikely to win.

“Yeah I feel sorry for them," he said.

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