‘He got us through games’
Wayne Rooney has named the best player he played with during his international career.
Rooney had a successful spell for England, becoming the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer in 2015 and went on to score 53 goals for his country before his official retirement in 2018.
The forward featured 120 times for the Three Lions and played alongside some brilliant players – including the mid noughties side that were dubbed as the ‘Golden Generation’.
During an interview with Gary Neville back in 2018, the current Birmingham City manager revealed which player was the best he played alongside.
“It’s got to be Steven Gerrard,” he said.
“At times, he got us through games. At the period where, obviously, we lost a players – yourself, Rio, Becks. It was me, Stevie and Frank left.
“Stevie pulled us through our games then.”
.@GNev2 "Who is the best player you have ever played with for England?"@WayneRooney: "Gary Neville"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 15, 2018
More from the exclusive interview: https://t.co/mfvxDygq7Y pic.twitter.com/WpDzcYFW9D
Gerrard and Rooney both played the majority of their international career together after the Liverpool captain made his debut in 2000 while Rooney made his in 2003.
Euro 2004 was the breakout tournament for both, in particular Rooney, who announced himself on the world stage.
It seems both have mutual feelings towards each other, with Gerrard claiming that Rooney was the player he got on with best.
Speaking to Neville on The Overlap when he was managing Aston Villa, Gerrard said: “I think Wazza is one of those people, especially when you’re away with your family, you need people like Wayne Rooney who are going to lift the room, or lift the day, or do something.
“I used to love being around Wayne, and obviously because we’ve come from similar areas and stuff I used to really love spending time with Wayne.”
Related links:
- Paul Scholes was most ‘overrated English player of all time’ says former PL star
- Wayne Rooney says only four former Man United players would get in Man City’s team
- Eddie Hearn reveals Wayne Rooney drunk texts him asking for fights
