Wayne Rooney has called time on his playing career but we can’t let that moment fly past without celebrating the moments that have given us goosebumps over the years for his club and country.
The former Manchester United & England striker has decided to hang up his boots after a stellar career while also being confirmed as Derby County manager on a full-time basis. The former Captain of England is the most capped outfield player for his country with a total of 53 goals. He is also United’s top goal-scorer with 253 goals over a span of 13 years at Old Trafford, where he won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and the FA Cup. After years with United, he decided to move back to his boyhood club Everton before moving to DC United in the MLS and finally to Championship side, Derby County.
There are possibly many ways to celebrate the man and his career but nothing would quite do it justice as much as celebrating him through the top goals of his career:
1. Manchester United Vs Portsmouth
These two clubs went head-to-head in a memorable FA Cup tie. Rooney who received the ball right at the edge of the penalty box decided to chip the keeper who was caught off guard by the England striker. The man always possessed plenty of power but often gave us a glimpse of that deft touch and finesse too.
2. Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough
A young Wayne Rooney scored this amazing volley to seal the deal against Middlesbrough back in 2005. After the keeper launched the ball ahead, a Louis Saha header led the ball into Wayne Rooney’s path who could not have hit it any better.
3. Manchester United Vs Hannover 96
Next up on the list is his freekick against Hannover 96 in a Friendly match. The ball flew into the top bin and the striker didn’t even bother to celebrate – it was just that simple!
4. Manchester United Vs Liverpool
In 2009, it was a must-win game for United as Liverpool were pressing for the title and that’s when Rooney struck this absolute beauty from outside the box which flew into the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance whatsoever.
5. Everton Vs Charlton
At number 5 is his goal against Charlton in which he rapidly got the ball under control, leaving defenders straggling behind, only to fire the ball into the roof from close range.
6. Everton Vs Arsenal
Wayne Rooney became a transfer target for almost every top club when he scored this wonder goal against Arsenal. Controlling the ball with a glorious first touch and then bending the ball into the top corner – this is vintage Wayne Rooney.
7. England Vs Brazil
This goal came out of nowhere. After taking five touches in midfield the striker decides to go for it and got it completely right. You knew the ball was going into the top corner as soon as it was struck.
8. Manchester United Vs Newcastle
Wayne Rooney was in the prime of his career when he hammered home this beauty. A similar goal to Scholes’ against Barcelona, Rooney blasted the ball into the net on the volley after the ball came into his path, giving the keeper absolutely no chance.
9. Manchester United Vs West Ham
This is one of the most iconic goals Rooney scored in his glorious Manchester United career. After the ball was passed to him near the halfway line, he saw the West Ham goalkeeper off his mark and just went for the spectacular – and spectacular it was!
10. Manchester United Vs Manchester City
Last on the list is one of the goals of this man’s career, scored in the high-intensity Manchester Derby. It came in a 2 – 1 win to Manchester United after Nani’s cross was met by Wayne Rooney’s acrobatic effort giving Joe Hart no chance to save the ball from finding the back of the net.
[Image Credit: Wayne Rooney]
Suhail Chandhok
Vertical Head - Sports