Former England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney reveals ‘biggest career regret’ in talkSPORT interview

Former England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney reveals ‘biggest career regret’ in talkSPORT interview
Wayne Rooney has exclusively told talkSPORT he has ‘one regret’ from his glittering career – that he didn’t play as a striker in his final season at Everton.In 2002, the world stood in unison to applaud the 16-year-old boy who, in the dying seconds of the game, plucked the ball out of the sky and sent a swirling shot crashing in off the crossbar.Not only had Rooney just scored the winner, it was against defending Premier League champions Arsenal to bring a 30-game unbeaten run to a shuddering halt.2

Rooney burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old

Such was the strikers meteoric rise, it was not long before Manchester United came calling and Rooney became the worlds most expensive teenager in 2004.After 559 appearances and 253 goals for the Red Devils, Rooney ignored lucrative offers from China and MLS to return to Goodison Park in 2017.But his Everton homecoming did not go to plan for the former England captain, with the Toffees struggling at the wrong end of the table.Rooney fell down the pecking order under manager Sam Allardyce and, when he did get time on the pitch, he was often played in a deeper role to help out Everton’s midfield.And looking back on his illustrious career in the Premier League, Rooney says that’s the only thing he would change.I loved playing football and being involved in the game,” Rooney told Drivetime on Thursday.2

The striker went on to become Manchester United’s record goalscorer after a 30million move in 2004

But, if I was maybe a little bit more selfish, then my stats would probably be a bit better if I played as a number nine throughout my career.I think my only regret, really, was my last year at Everton.Given his precocious ability on the ball, managers at club and international level opted to drop the 33-year-old into midfield to utilise his range of passing.However, England’s record goalscorer wanted to play as a central striker to showcase his predatory instincts in front of goal.And Rooney believes he should have insisted on playing up front during his last season at Everton even when the team was faltering. He continued: I started off playing as a striker and then the team wasnt doing well and then, all through my own fault really, speaking with the manager we both felt it would be better if I went into a midfield role to try and help us get control of games really.When really, I think I should have turned round and said: I want to be up top and scoring goals.I had done it in the first half of the season but, when I went into the midfield role, I didnt do it so much.

Listen back to a clip of Wayne Rooney’s interview on talkSPORT above

---

'Average game, sensational result': Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool's resilience in win over Fulham as Reds return to the top of the Premier League MATCH REPORT: Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over

---

DERBY DAY Chelsea travel to Wembley for a huge London derby clash with Spurs as Premier League action returns Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea on Saturday evening as they hope to boost their title aspirations and hand their opponents a first defeat of the season LIVE on talkSPORT.
Trump's Defense of Saudi Arabia After Khashoggi Murder

---

Tottenham Hotspur will train at their new stadium for the first time on Thursday, according to reports. Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Spurs' other stars are preparing for their first game in their new home, which takes place against Crystal Palace next Wednesday.
Tottenham new stadium latest: 'Trepidation' among Spurs
sports.weblife24.com/tottenham-new-stadium-latest-trepidation-among-spurs-players-over-moving-into-1billion-ground-at-key-poin/
Tottenham new stadium latest: 'Trepidation' among Spurs players over moving into £1billion ground at key poin lilywhite worries The Lilywhites will play their first match at the 'Tottenham Hotspur Stadium' against Crystal Palace, on April 3
Harry Kane and Tottenham squad to train in new £1bn stadium

---

Liverpool team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Tottenham - Firmino to start, Keita out; But Kane's inclusion will likely come at the expense of semi-final hat-trick hero Lucas Moura. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will captain Tottenham in front of the 68,000 capacity crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Lloris rested, big Kane decision - Tottenham team news and

---

Steve Clarke hits back at Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and insists he doesn't care who he upsets. Kilmarnock manager has vowed to keep speaking out until he is happy with the standard of refereeing.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard plays down spat with Kilmarnock's

---

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says the club have been vindicated in their decision to move into their new stadium this season after they enjoyed a historic homecoming. Spurs finally got to play in their majestic new home eight months later than originally planned and they produced the perfect housewarming gift as they beat Crystal
It´s starting to feel like home: Pochettino hails win

---

REAL MADRID are prepared to offer Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Keylor Navas to Manchester United in return for Paul Pogba, it has been reported. Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez is said to
Transfer News: Completed Signings, Loan Deals and Gossip

---

Liverpool break their own top-flight points record, while City edge closer to a Premier League-best of their own - the weekend's best stats. City can still set a new record points haul for a
Biggest flop from every Premier League club this season

---

Home Jurgen Klopp told Mario Gotze he may need a hair transplant, Borussia Dortmund ace reveals in hilarious tale GettyImages-143513709.jpg GettyImages-143513709.jpg Ads
~ Hilarious memes of Uhuru's State of the Nation address

---

Charlie Austin has been charged by the Football Association for making an "abusive and/or insulting" gesture as he was substituted during Southampton's defeat to Manchester City.
~ Charlie Austin: Southampton striker charged by Football

---

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia: Conor Hourihane's superb
hollywoodadviser.com/republic-of-ireland-1-0-georgia-conor-hourihanes-superb-free-kick-the-difference-as-mick-mccarthys-side-claim-second-euro-2020-qualifying-victory/
perfect start The Boys in Green climbed to the top of Group D with the victory after Switzerland drew to Denmark Conor Hourihane scored a superb first-half free-kick as the Republic of Ireland edged past Georgia 1-0 to claim their second Euro 2020 qualifying win.
~ Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia: Conor Hourihane's superb

---

Home sweet home Spurs have won both of their first two games at the £1billion structure against Crystal Palace and Manchester City Danny Rose wants to make Tottenham's new stadium a 'fortress'.
Stiliyan Petrov news and profile - Celtic FC

---

The 2018-19 season may be approaching a conclusion, but one of the busiest periods for a football club is just about to begin: the summer transfer window. Clubs across the world will be doing

---

Harry Kane has been ruled out until early March with an ankle ligament injury, Tottenham have confirmed. The England striker suffered the problem in the dying moments of Spurs' 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
Harry Kane injury news: Expert reveals latest on Spurs striker

---

Rangers Allan McGregor was sent off for launching a karate kick in win over Hibs Graeme Souness described red card as 'deserting the trenches' Having used all their subs, Ross McCrorie was forced
Graeme Souness blasts Allan McGregor over 'stupid' red card

---