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He May Be Past His Best But Wayne Rooney Deserves The Utmost Respect

He May Be Past His Best But Wayne Rooney Deserves The Utmost Respect

Enough is enough.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

On a crisp Monday night, as Jordan Henderson was named the captain for England's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, former skipper John Terry beamed about Wayne Rooney's career on social media following Gareth Southgate's decision to drop the player from his starting eleven.

Terry, who has likewise felt the wrath of criticism in the not so distant past, was transparent about his thoughts on Rooney's difficult situation, so I thought I'd throw my opinion into the fold because the matter has overflowed into bitterness and in all honesty, cruelty.

In the past couple of days, I've read article after article slamming Wayne Rooney and to be fair, the criticism at one point was deserved but after several weeks of ridiculously monotonous talk about his past, present and future, I've come to the conclusion that enough is enough.

Back in September, I was rather bold when writing my opinion on the under-fire skipper but my respect for Wayne Rooney has always existed. Yes, he isn't at the top of his game, even he would admit to that, but to disrespect his legacy is absolutely moronic.

Terry referred to Rooney's illustrious past in a lengthy social media post.

The 35-year-old made a point of how Rooney is not only England's most capped player but the country's record goalscorer. As soon as I read his post, It hit me. The fact that someone of that stature, a former England and Chelsea captain, had to act in defense of a truly incredible career stretching 15 years left me irritated - very irritated.

It has become crystal clear that people's opinion on Rooney have been clouded by a bad patch in form. Maybe even a bad patch in the past couple of years but this is a player who has lifted five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League trophy. This is a man who is Manchester United's second top scorer of all time, just seven goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton.

The list goes on but something Wayne Rooney has earned, rather than won, is respect.

Not only did Rooney show a huge amount of dignity during a potentially cagey press conference with Gareth Southgate on Monday, but he showed immense character by praising captain Jordan Henderson ahead of his new role. Unlike many, he didn't shy away after being dropped by the manager but faced the daunting task of trying to win over the media.

He did just that.

Away from the game, his charity work is paramount to his being. Through the newly formed Wayne Rooney foundation, he is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children as well as young people. The 30-year-old has not only earned respect in our beautiful game but he is entitled to it away from the sport.

Rooney isn't just an 'overpaid' footballer, he has a wife and three children. The fact that his wife Coleen had to post on Twitter earlier this week was testament to how badly this situation has become. Imagine one of your kids having to watch people booing you. These 'fans' might argue that Rooney is paid hundreds of thousands to play the game but his legacy has earned him the right to be respected.

Ask yourself - what has Wayne Rooney done wrong, really?

Tonight, whatever the outcome, the media will jump on the ever-present 'Wayne Rooney is past his best' bandwagon. Even if he scored seven goals in five minutes, that wouldn't be enough. But maybe, just maybe, these people who have criticised him in the past will sit back and appreciate his achievements.

The second most capped England player in history, ahead of Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson.

Just think about it.


Words by Jack Kenmare

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