Thierry Henry Praises Wayne Rooney: A Legendary Career Underappreciated in England
Wayne Rooney, the former England and Manchester United striker, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. His impressive career, marked by numerous titles and individual accolades, has earned him a place among the all-time greats in English football history. According to a report by Give Me Sport, Rooney’s talent was once hailed by another football legend, Thierry Henry, who urged young English players to learn from Rooney’s example.
In 2015, Henry wrote in The Sun (via Daily Mail) that Rooney’s longevity and consistency at the top level were truly remarkable. “You will only truly appreciate Rooney when he has retired. It’s a shame but it’s always like that,” Henry said. “I would absolutely urge all those youngsters in the squad, such as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, to watch and learn off Rooney from this day onwards. To play well for six months or a season in football is nothing. To do so for over a decade like Rooney is extraordinary. I know what it takes and it isn’t easy. Trust me, people talk about him outside of this country. In Spain and France, he is appreciated as a top, top player.”
Rooney’s career at Manchester United was indeed illustrious, marked by five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and numerous individual awards. He remains the club’s greatest ever goalscorer, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Despite his impressive achievements, Rooney’s career was not without its challenges. As he entered the latter stages of his career, his physical decline and reduced gametime led some to question his legacy.
Former Welsh international Robbie Savage was one of those who felt Rooney was underappreciated in England. “He gets hammered and yet he is Manchester United’s and England’s top scorer [at the time],” Savage said in 2017. “He is a professional, his work ethic is very good, you can see his temperament is still the same. When he gets a decision against him, he goes berserk. That is the same old Wayne Rooney. The bottom line is that age and not playing regular games is catching up with him. He is not the player he was. But he is the most under-appreciated footballer we have seen in English football.”
Henry’s praise of Rooney was vindicated in the years that followed, as Rooney earned widespread acclaim for his contributions to English football. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he continues to inspire a new generation of footballers. Rooney’s commitment to the sport and his dedication to his craft have made him a role model for young players, both on and off the pitch.
In reflecting on Rooney’s career, it is clear that he was a player who was often underappreciated in England. However, as Henry’s comments demonstrate, his talent and achievements were recognised and admired abroad. As England continues to produce talented young players, Rooney’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for the sport.
The impact of Rooney’s career on English football cannot be overstated. He remains one of the country’s most successful and influential footballers, with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of players. As Give Me Sport reports, Rooney’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of football to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
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