Cape Town - Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has urged Wayne Rooney to ignore interest from the Chinese Super League and continue to compete in Europe.
Rooney released a statement on Thursday confirming that he will remain at Manchester United until the end of the season, despite interest in taking him to the CSL this month.
However, the 31-year-old’s future will again be a subject of speculation in the summer after finding game-time increasingly limited under Jose Mourinho this season.
If Rooney does leave Old Trafford though, Ronaldinho believes that the England skipper should either move to another Premier League side or a European club, rather than heading to the CSL.
“It is not meant as any disrespect, but I do not want to see Wayne Rooney play in China just yet,” Ronaldinho told Fox Latin America.
“Maybe in two or three seasons he can consider it, but not now.
“If his time at Manchester United is up, then it is up, but he will still be an important player for many of the top clubs in England, Italy, Spain, Germany, or France.
“Over the last 10 years he is one of the players I have respected most, he has exceptional ability and I want to see him play in a league that will still test him.”