Share

Rooney excited for 'great moment' in England farewell

United Kingdom - Wayne Rooney says he is honoured to make a final appearance for England and happy for manager Gareth Southgate to decide his playing time Thursday against the United States.

Former Manchester United star Rooney, in video comments released Monday by his Major League Soccer club DC United, detailed his excitement at earning his 120th cap for England in his farewell match, a friendly against the Americans at Wembley Stadium.

"Playing on the squad for this game and see some old team-mates, see Gareth and the coaching staff, and then obviously to play at Wembley for the last time will be a great moment," Rooney said.

"To see old team-mates, coaches and be around them for a few days, but also to see the fans - it'll be great to pull on the England shirt again in front of the fans in almost a way of me saying thank you to the fans for the support you've shown me over my time playing for England."

England's all-time men's goals leader came to MLS in July, lifting DC United from the bottom of the table to the playoffs in his first campaign. United were ousted by Columbus in their post-season opener earlier this month.

England's Football Association set up the Rooney tribute with proceeds going to youth charities.

"Obviously it's a huge honor for the FA to grant me this game. It's an important game, obviously. The money will be raised for children's charities, which I think is really important," Rooney said.

Rooney, 33, has scored 53 goals in 119 England appearances since making his debut for the Three Lions on February 12, 2003. He has not played for England since a 3-0 victory over Scotland at Wembley on November 11, 2016.

"I have to admit I don't know how much I'm going to play, whether that's from the start or whether that's the last few minutes," Rooney said.

"I'll speak to Gareth before we meet up. Whatever he wants me then to play I'm happy to do so."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
66% - 656 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
34% - 343 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE