Wayne Rooney

Wayne Mark Rooney (born 24 October 1985) is one of the leading young talents in world football. In September 2005 he was selected by his fellow professionals as the inaugural FIFPro World Young Player of the Year. He currently plays for Manchester United and the England national football team as a striker. He wears the number 8 shirt for his club, and is generally given the number 9 for his country.

Personal life

As with many high-profile football players, Rooney has been the target of many allegations and invasions into his private life. This includes his relationship with girlfriend Colleen McLoughlin. In particular The Sun, apparently because of a personal campaign launched by editor Rebekah Wade, has sought to discredit Rooney by publishing allegations about apparent violent behaviour towards his girlfriend and members of the public. Rooney and McLoughlin have both strenuously denied these allegations.

Related Topics:
Colleen McLoughlin - The Sun - Rebekah Wade

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Rooney also hit the headlines after admitting to sleeping with a middle-aged prostitute; an affair which placed his relationship with McLoughlin in jeopardy, with Colleen allegedly throwing her engagement ring into a squirrel enclosure.

Related Topics:
Prostitute - Squirrel

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On 2 May 2005 the English Schools' Football Association and sponsor Coca Cola decided to drop him as guest of honour at one of their semi-final contests because "we could find a better role model". This followed allegations concerning his private life and excessive swearing during matches. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4504869.stm

Related Topics:
2 May - 2005 - Coca Cola

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Rooney's personal life then made international headlines when Sepp Blatter, president of the world football governing body FIFA, said that Rooney's attitude deserved a "clip around the ear." Also on 14 September 2005, Rooney's actions on-field during a UEFA Champions League group match against Villarreal, caused him to receive a red card after sarcastically applauding the referee in charge. Thus many British newspapers stated that Rooney was a hot-head and needed to cool down. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2005/05/13/sfnroo13.xml&sSheet=/sport/2005/05/13/ixsporttop.html

Related Topics:
Sepp Blatter - FIFA - 14 September - 2005 - UEFA Champions League - Villarreal

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