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When Wayne Rooney announced his international retirement on Thursday, tributes to the 31-year-old striker started to flow in, but one that truly stood out was his former captain, David Beckham’s.
Beckham was captain of the England side when Rooney made his debut in 2003 and together the duo played for several years for the Three Lions and while the duo could never win any silverware, they are considered legends on the club and international level both.
England manager Gareth Southgate had reportedly told Rooney to make himself available for the national side for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia, but Rooney, who captained his country from 2014 to 2017, decided to call it quits.
After making his debut in 2003, Rooney went on to score 53 goals in 119 games, which makes him his nation’s all-time top goalscorer and the second-most capped player, behind goalkeeper Peter Shilton. It’s been an eventful few months for the 31-year-old, with him shifting back to boyhood club Everton after spending a glittering 13 seasons at Manchester United in the summer
. Critics had questioned his ability to compete at the highest level with some even suggesting a move to a less intense league like the MLS or the Chinese Super League, but Rooney chose to move back to the Toffees and the early signs are extremely promising.
His decision to focus on the Everton is seen as a move that will undoubtedly extend his career for in recent seasons he had begun to look a bit tired and without the extra workload of international football, his work-rate and speed is sure to get a boost.
Two goals in the opening two games of the Premier League season have silenced the naysayers and with Ronald Koeman’s men unbeaten at the moment, there is plenty of reason for Rooney to be optimistic.
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