Wayne knew it was right time to go
during all the international breaks.”
Rooney has finished his England career as his country’s record goalscorer and mostcapped outfield player, six short of equalling goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton’s record of 125 England caps.
Koeman says Rooney knew it was time to call it a day. “I don’t know if he was tempted by the record. What he did for the national team was good enough,” he said.
“There is a time to come and time to go. He made that decision.
“It’s all about your feeling and when you need to stop football. Your body is the main reason to stop.”
Rooney has figured in all eight of Everton’s pre-season and competitive games since rejoining them from Manchester United and will start tonight against Hajduk Split in the Poljud Stadium, where Everton will defend a 2-0 first-leg lead as they bid to clinch a place in the group stages.
Koeman admits progress in the competition will impact on the club’s domestic performances and agreed with Jose Mourinho’s remarks last season that the Premier League could do more to help Europa League qualifiers with kinder fixture scheduling.
Everton played Manchester City on Monday – they drew 1-1 at the Etihad – and after flying home from tonight’s first play-off round clash face a 1.30pm kick-off at Chelsea on Sunday.
“Maybe they [the Premier League] don’t care enough for European football,” said Koeman. “I totally agree with Jose about what happened to Manchester United last season. The same has happened to us this week.
“We know that the television money decides a lot. It’s the commercial side of football and it makes it even more difficult for us.”
But Koeman says he wants to go as far as possible in the Europa League because he is determined to re-establish Everton, who won the old Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985, as a major force in Europe.
“It’s the ambition of the club, the manager and the players to be a part of European football,” he said. Hajduk are facing UEFA punishment after their fans caused trouble in the first leg at Goodison Park last week, which caused play to be stopped and police and stewards to form a barrier in front of the away supporters.
Koeman says they will not wilt in an intimidating atmosphere in Croatia. “We know about the fans of Hajduk. They will support their team and try to intimidate us.
“But it will be the sort of atmosphere you like to play football in. We have enough experienced players to deal with that kind of ambience.”
He has done enough for England