Man Utd and England legend Wayne Rooney names club he regrets not playing for | Football

Wayne Rooney had an epic career but does hold some regrets from his playing days, including never turning out for his beloved Celtic.

The 40-year-old had two stints at Everton, either side of 13 years at Manchester United, before playing for DC United and Derby County late in his career.

Clearly he is best known for his 559 games for the Red Devils, and winning 120 caps for England.

It was during his pomp at Old Trafford that he plotted ending his career with Celtic, but it never came to pass.

Asked on The Wayne Rooney Show for the best atmosphere he has played in, the former forward said: ‘Best atmosphere, I’d have to say Celtic Park. To play at Celtic in 2006, we actually lost the game 1-0, but to play there and feel that atmosphere was incredible.’

Contrastingly, on the most hostile atmosphere he experienced, he said: ‘Rangers away in 2010, I think it was.

‘I’d played there for Everton in a pre-season game and I’m a big Celtic fan. I went to Ibrox to watch the Old Firm, to watch Celtic there, sat in the Celtic end, so I think they were aware of that.

‘So when we went in 2010, they battered me. It was not long after I’d asked to leave Manchester United and then I’d signed. So I was under pressure to perform for United again.

‘We got a penalty, I’ve scored it and went off celebrating. It was a real hostile performance. I felt it against me, normally you feel it against the team, but I felt it against me.

‘Back then it was when I was using Twitter quite a bit and I was getting hammered on Twitter, so I was expecting it.

‘I think it’s well known and I’ve put out there that I’m a Celtic fan.
It’s probably one of my regrets, not playing for Celtic at some point.’

Rooney grew up an Everton fan, coming through the club’s academy and making his senior debut for the Toffees in 2002.

He has had a soft spot for Celtic for as long as he can remember as well, though, explaining: ‘Just growing up as a kid, I’ve always liked Celtic.

‘When I was growing up there was Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton up top, John Hartson when he wa sthere. Some of the players Celtic have had and moments they’ve given us, incredible.

‘During the best part of my career, I always thought I’d love to play for Celtic at the end of my career. Obviously it wasn’t to be.’

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