Reigning Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Robbie Keane is turning his back on English Premier League loan offers during this MLS offseason.
His reward? A date in his hometown Dublin against Irish powers Shamrock Rovers FC.
The defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy announced the preseason friendly match on Monday and it's set for Saturday, February 21 at 11 am ET.
Keane is the captain of the Republic of Ireland's national team and the country's all-time leading scorer since his 1998 debut. Coming off an MVP season with the Galaxy, including the game-winning goal in the MLS Cup final, the Irishman is focused on MLS preseason next.
"I've been asked to go on loan by clubs, mostly in the Premier League, but it's not going to happen," Keane told media in Ireland at the official unveiling of the friendly match. "Medically, I've been advised to take a break ... Our break [in MLS] is a little bit longer so I feel the temptation is there only because I love playing the game.
"Although that's there, I just can't see it [the loan] happening, to be honest."
