Mikey Johnston suffers Flamengo anguish as raging fans revolt after Robbie Keane makes transfer appeal on Brazilian TV
Gutted Mikey Johnston appears set to miss out on a transfer to Flamengo as furious fans reportedly revolted against a £5million move for the former Celtic man.
Multiple outlets in Brazil claim local supporters are dead against the move and Republic of Ireland legend Robbie Keane was drafted into firefight as he raved about Johnston during a surprising appearance on Brazilian sports TV.
Johnston appeared primed to move 12 months on from sealing his permanent switch to West Brom from Celtic. But now he will report for pre-season duty with the Baggies unless Flamengo rail against their supporters' wishes.
West Brom refused to stand in Johnston's way but now appear set to keep the wide man with a sizeable fee already set during discussions with Flamengo.
The 26-year-old has thrilled fans with his daring style over the years and appeared a perfect fit for the samba flair of South America.
And Keane offered an impassioned defence of the Republic of Ireland international during a lively radio debate.
Vampeta: 'Hello Keane, amigo, how are you?'
Robbie Keane: 'How are you?'
Vampeta:"Fine"
Keane:"Yeah, are you good?"
Vampeta:"Yes, good man."
Keane:"How are you my friend?"
Vampeta:"Fine. One minute please (hands phone over)."
Pilhado:"Hi, I'm Vampeta's friend, how are you? Let me ask a question. We are in a programme in Brazil live, I want to know, do you know Mike Johnston, a striker from Ireland?"
Keane:"Yeah, Michael, he's a winger, a left-winger, he's really small and fast."
Pilhado:"(Translates answer) But let me ask you something, he is a good name for Flamengo, a Brazilian team here?"
Keane: 'I'm with my Brazilian (fades out, but likely referring to Ferencvaros assistant coach Leandro de Almeida)... The fans will like him, because he is really fast and skillful."
Pilhado: 'Do you think he is a good player for a big team in Brazil?"
Pilhado: 'Thank you so much. Vampeta tells me he loves you.'
Keane: 'Tell him I love him.'
Pilhado: 'Roberto Carlos is with us also.'
Keane: 'Ah, Roberto, my best friend. I love him.'
Pilhado: 'Thank you so much.'
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