Wayne Rooney delivered a defiant riposte to his critics on Saturday, insisting he is “not finished yet” following a week of controversy in the wake of allegations of late-night drinking while on international duty.
The Manchester United and England captain returned to action for his club as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
But after seeing his reputation tarnished with a week of lurid tabloid headlines surrounding his decision to attend a wedding party at England’s team hotel — while wearing England branded leisure wear — Rooney spoke to reporters after the game to say he deserves greater respect and better treatment.
“It feels as if the media are trying to write my obituary and I won’t let that happen,” Rooney said.
“What has been going on is disgraceful. I’m proud to play for my country and I’m proud of my achievements. It’s not finished yet.
“I think what’s been going on is disgraceful. It shows a lack of respect and I think enough is enough. That’s all I want to say.”
Having made his remarks, Rooney walked away from reporters and declined to discuss the matter further.
United manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday that the 31-year-old was not the only England player deserving of scrutiny from last week, claiming that some of his teammates were in “worse places than the hotel bar.”
FA chief executive Martin Glenn criticised Rooney’s behaviour despite the player having already made an unreserved apology to interim manager Gareth Southgate.
Mourinho, meanwhile, moved to defend Rooney by suggesting that the FA had not “taken care” of the player while he was away from Old Trafford.
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