President Barack Obama claims Ireland captain Robbie Keane as his cousin

Striker misses remark at White House reception for LA Galaxy

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President Barack Obama (C) poses for photographs with the Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles Galaxy

Photo by AP

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American President Barack Obama wooed Irish football team captain Robbie Keane at the White House – but the Dubliner missed the punch line.

Obama received MLS champions the LA Galaxy at a lavish function on Tuesday night when he referred to Keane as his ‘cousin’.

But the European Championship bound striker misheard the remark and was caught on camera asking a team-mate ‘What did he say?”

Obama, playing the Irish card after his recent visit to Moneygall, highlighted Keane, David Beckham and American international Landon Donovan for special attention at the engagement.

He even referred to Robbie as ‘a cousin of mine’ and highlighted his status as ‘all time leading scorer of the Irish national team’.

President Obama continued: “Robbie arrived halfway through last season, scored his first goal in the first 21 minutes of his first game. His teammates were so happy to have him that they filled his locker with what they called the ‘pleasures of Ireland’ - Guinness, Baileys, and Irish Spring.

“Hopefully Robbie has broadened their horizons a little bit since then.”

Referring to Beckham, he said: “He is tough. In fact, it is a rare man who can be that tough on the field and also have his own line of underwear. David Beckham is that man.”

A planned kick-around on the White House Lawn with First Lady Michelle Obama had to be cancelled due to heavy rain.

Robbie’s model wife Claudine later tweeted: “Amazing response to Rob meeting @BarackObama in The White House today. He asked me to Thank You All for your kind words!”
 

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