Ex-US President Barack Obama claimed to be Robbie Keane’s "cousin"

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane was once left baffled by Barack Obama after the former United States president said they were both cousins.

The Irishman and his LA Galaxy team mates were invited to the The White House after they won their third MLS Cup. Despite the likes of David Beckham and US legend Landon Donovan being alongside him, Obama chose to give extra special mention to Keane.

The striker had been named the American division’s MVP after a sensational campaign which saw him bag 19 goals and nine assists in 29 appearances. But while he was basking in Obama’s praise, the president then surprised him with a real curveball, proclaiming the striker as his cousin.

“You got Robbie Keane, all-time international goal scorer for the Ireland football team,” Obama opened with during his congratulatory speech, only to follow it with “a cousin of mine.” After initially laughing at the line, confusion began to descend over the Irishman who looked to his team mates for clarification.

What other footballers with famous relatives can you think of? Let us know in the comments

Meanwhile, Obama also gave a cheeky look to the sides after sensing how dumbfounded Keane was. Soon after Obama’s hilarious line, Keane was asked about it by Ben Shepherd and Chris Kamara. And it is fair to say, he is still wracking his mind about the matter.

“I haven’t got a clue,” Keane told Sky Sports after the incident. “I think he has family there or something, but I didn’t really have a chance to have a one-on-one with him to be honest with you.

“I think he came to Ireland once and he has family in a small village or something like that.” Despite the mild embarrassment, Keane described the whole experience as being one he would never forget.

“It was a surreal moment. I didn’t think a lad from Dublin would ever go to the Whitehouse. For me it was a very proud moment to meet the President of the United States, the most powerful man on the planet – it was just incredible.”

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