All our greats deserve a send-off says Rooney
WAYNE ROONEY has told critics of his England comeback to like it or lump it because there will be more to come in the future.
The England veteran is hoping his Wembley farewell against the USA tomorrow night will be a watershed moment in how the FA treat legendary players.
Rooney has been granted a final cap – his 120th – and the chance to be honoured by fans who saw him retire with little fuss 15 months ago.
Despite criticism of the decision, the former captain believes he has earned the right to a fond farewell following a long and illustrious career that saw him become England’s leading goalscorer.
Rooney, 33, also believes that some of the greats before him have not been given the respect or appreciation they deserved but what is happening to him will be the start of a new regime moving forward.
He said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Whether they agree with it or not, it’s something that’s happening.
“It’s something the FA and a lot of people feel is right. And I think some players we all know – a lot of the older players, players who won the World Cup – weren’t treated as well as they should have been.
“The FA are now trying to move in a different direction and celebrate the players who have made an impact for their country. It’ll split opinions because it’s the first one but hopefully there’ll be a lot more in the future.”
Rooney is looking forward to being able to pull on a Three Lions shirt again and for the first time in front of his youngest son Cass.
He said: “I’m going to enjoy the game on Thursday and the minutes I get on the pitch.
“I think it’s a special moment for myself and for my family... my youngest boy has never had the opportunity to see me in an England shirt.
“So it’ll be nice to have the four boys there and have that moment with my children.
“What is important as well is that there would be money raised for the children in the Wayne Rooney Foundation.”
Rooney was just 31 when he retired from England and has gone on to be a success in the MLS with DC United after leaving Everton in the summer.
He watched England’s remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia at his new home in Washington but he insists he has no regrets about his decision to retire and can look back on what he’s achieved with huge pride – despite admitting that he put too much pressure on himself at times.
“I’ve stepped back from that pressure thing now and can analyse that there was a lot of it,” said the former Manchester United superstar.
“Having that makes you try too hard and makes you a bit too anxious so you don’t enjoy it as much as you should. You play your best football and best performances when you’re enjoying playing and winning.
Gone
“The pressure was fair. Not pressure from the media or the fans, pressure you put on yourself, which is a different type of pressure, and that affects your performances.
“But my time has been and gone. I had some good games and some bad games. That’s the story of my England career.
“I’ll take away being the record goalscorer and representing my country 119 times and feeling immense pride doing that.”
Rooney insists England are in good hands with Gareth Southgate – who effectively ended his international career – and has labelled the Three Lions boss “fearless” when it comes to making brave decisions.
He added: “He’s fearless because a lot of the other managers didn’t really give the youth the opportunity to express themselves and come into the team and have an impact.
“In fairness to Gareth, he’s tried to do that and done that, bringing a lot of young players through. Giving them experience but also belief they can perform well and be successful for their country.
“Of the six managers I played for, while there were a few individual young players, to bring so many through as a group and have that trust in them... he deserves a lot of credit.”