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England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain speaks during a press conference. PA Wire/Press Association Images

Roy Keane was right to criticise me over jersey swap - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The player has apologised for exchanging shirts with Neymar midway through a game.

ENGLAND MIDFIELDER ALEX Oxlade-Chamberlain has admitted that he was wrong to ask Brazil superstar Neymar for his shirt during the sides’ friendly game last year.

The Arsenal player, nicknamed ‘The Ox’, scored a memorable goal to earn England a 2-2 draw at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana last June, but he was criticised for his mid-match request to Neymar.

The players subsequently swapped shirts after the game, but former Manchester United captain Roy Keane and Gareth Southgate, the current England Under-21 manager, took exception to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s behaviour.

Commenting on the game for British television, Keane said that Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been concentrating on the match and the 20-year-old has admitted that he made an inappropriate decision.

“I did ask him (Neymar) during the game. I gave him a little nudge,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

“Roy Keane hammered me for it. I didn’t try and make it too blatant. It just happened that the camera landed on me right at the time I nudged him.

“I agree with Roy. It’s not the way to go about things. I have to hold my hands up. You’re not in awe of these players. I’ve got massive respect for what he’s done in world football.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain was speaking ahead of England’s friendly game at home to Denmark on Wednesday.

- © AFP, 2014

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    Mute gerry campbell
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    Mar 4th 2014, 3:11 PM

    Imagine the ” nudge” Keane would give Neymar

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    Mute Andrew S
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    Mar 4th 2014, 2:01 PM

    Fair play

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    Mute Damien Leen
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    Mar 4th 2014, 7:08 PM

    I Like this guy, speaks well, take criticism on the chin & is a fine footballer, more of the same please Ox, very refreshing.

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    Mute Mark Sampson
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    Mar 4th 2014, 10:12 PM

    Totally agree Damo ! Everybody makes mistakes

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    Mute sara m
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    Mar 4th 2014, 3:06 PM

    Another part of his comment was “it’s a mutual respect thing”… ha good one.

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    Mute Dingleberrycity
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    Mar 4th 2014, 10:23 PM

    I’d have more respect for chamberlain if he said Keane should go **** himself. At least it would prove he could stand up for himself. Now he just looks like a yes man..

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    Mute Declan Hamill
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    Mar 4th 2014, 4:10 PM

    much love

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