PREM LEAGUE

Conte: Call was not easy

WAYNE ROONEY has donated a total of £750,000 – split equally between Claire House Children’s Hospice, Alder Hey Children’s Charity and the NSPCC – on behalf of his Wayne Rooney Foundation. “I hope we were able to bring some Christmas cheer, as all the charity staff do throughout December,” said the Everton striker.

“I’d like to single out and pay tribute to all the staff members at the three charities I’ve visited this week who do such brilliant work, week in and week out, not just at Christmas.” ANTONIO CONTE says Wayne Rooney’s heart must be aching now he’s no longer playing for England.

Rooney, 32, quit international football in August following 119 caps and a record 53 goals.

He is back to his best under new Everton boss Sam Allardyce and Chelsea coach Conte said his team must fear Rooney most today after six goals in his last five games.

“Only the player understands when the moment arrives to say ‘stop’, when it comes to playing for the national team,” said Conte, who quit playing at 35.

“To stop your career with the national team is not easy.

‘‘I’m sure his heart is a bit broken by this decision but we have to respect it.” Under former ® boss Jose Mourinho, Chelsea tried to buy Rooney twice. Conte (inset) said he still rates Rooney, who rejoined Everton from Manchester United in the summer. “I think it was a great buy for them,” said Conte. “He’s showing he’s a fantastic player, playing in a fantastic way. ‘‘We must pay great attention because Rooney is a player who plays with his soul. You can see this during the game.” Conte also believes Rooney has what it takes to one day be a manager. “He has great passion,” said the Italian. “Usually when you have this type of passion, you can do this job. You must have great passion, great patience, great will to suffer.”

Conte also renewed his call for a winter break in England, with today’s game the first of seven in 21 days for his champions.

He said: “It’s right to play during the Christmas period but after that period you must have a break.

Energy

“You have to try to put every team in the best situation to be competitive in all competitions. Otherwise in February, when the Champions League restarts, you arrive very tired.

“When you play 25 games in two and a half months, it’s not simple.

“You spend a lot of energy to prepare your team to play in a different system with different opponents. It is very hard.”