We Must Pay Great Attention To Rooney – Conte

Antonio Conte hailed Wayne Rooney as a footballer who “plays with his soul,” adding that the Everton captain has the “passion” to become a manager one day.

Chelsea will be Rooney’s next opponents in Saturday’s early kickoff, and Conte warned his players that the 32-year-old is likely to be key to Everton’s attacking threat.

“We must pay great attention because Wayne Rooney is an important player, a good player,” Conte said. “He is showing his ability. For sure, Rooney is one of the best players of Everton. I think it was a great [move] for him. He’s showing he’s a fantastic player.

“He’s continued to play in a fantastic way. We must pay great attention because I think Wayne Rooney is a player who, when he plays, plays with his soul. You can see this during the game.”

“We must have great respect for his decision,” Conte added. “Only the player understands when the moment is arriving to say ‘stop’ when it comes to playing for the national team. We must have great respect for this decision. It’s not simple to make.

“To stop your career with the national team is not easy. I’m sure his heart is a bit broken by this decision. But, at the same time, we have to respect it because only the player understands when this moment has come.”