Tributes pour in from supporters around the world for ‘genius’ Rooney after announcing retirement

Tributes poured in from fans across the globe after Wayne Rooney announced he is retiring from playing football to become a manager.

The 35-year-old has taken over at relegation-threatened Championship side Derby County on a permanent basis after becoming their interim boss earlier this season.

But the decision has meant the former forward has had to bring an end to his 19-year playing career, which saw him becomes Manchester United and England’s record goalscorer and win countless club trophies. 

One supporter was gushing in his praise, stating: ‘This is more than something astonishing… Wayne Rooney is a genius player I don’t have words to describe him anymore he’s more than just a legend.’

One supporter praised him as being the standout player for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United between 2008 and 2013, adding: ‘Hard to put into words just how good @WayneRooney  was. 

‘The stats speak for themselves, but at United’s peak under SAF he was *the* standout player. Sacrificed much of his game for the team yet still put in the numbers he did. Happy retirement.’

Others had specific memories which came to mind following Rooney’s announcement that he was hanging up his boots.

One thought of his Man United debut against Fenerbahce, when he went on to net a hat-trick and lay on an assist in a 6-2 Champions League win for the club in September 2004.

‘Wayne Rooney will go down as one of the greatest players of all time, and one of my favourites,’ the user said. ‘I remember watching his United debut against Fenerbache and just sitting in awe. 

‘What a talent and what a career. Enjoy your retirement Wayne!’

Another fan was just as effusive in his praise but evoked the memory of when he lit up the international stage at Euro 2004, scoring four superb goals for England at the age of 18.

The user wrote: ‘Wayne Rooney is the best English footballer I have actually watched. 

‘Legend of this game no doubt. I just understand how old I become as he retires now. He was my hero in Euro 2004. Brilliant career. Good Luck in your managerial career.’ 

Another however recounted arguably Rooney’s most famous top-flight moment, when he scored a fantastic, acrobatic overhead kick from Nani’s cross to score the winning goal in the Manchester derby in February 2011.

‘Best player I have ever seen in the Premier League, one of my favourite players to watch growing up,’ the user, a Tottenham fan, wrote.

‘The goal against City was immense, even I celebrated it. All the best to Rooney at Derby!’

Another stated what many felt more generally about the player, writing: ‘Wayne Rooney is the most underrated player in Premier League history and nothing will ever change my mind.’

Meanwhile, another said: ‘Wayne Rooney retiring has actually got me so emotional man. My favourite Man Utd player ever. Feels like just yesterday I was watching him every week in his prime.’ 

Some went even further and believed he could have achieved even more had Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo not appeared on the global stage at the same time as Rooney.

One said: ‘ Wayne Rooney had the unfortunate fate of peaking at the same era as two otherworldly being named Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo, or else people would unilaterally agree, without a doubt, at one time, that he’s the best football player in the world.’