“Remember the name – Wayne Rooney………………………………………..”
That mercurial talent that shocked
Arsenal, rocked Euro 2004, stunned the footballing word on his Manchester
United debut….is long gone, but his legacy will forever remain.
My most abiding memory of Wayne is
that goal against Newcastle, seemingly distracted in arguing with the referee,
he took it out on the football arriving his way and battered the ball into the
back of the net. That boy was a boxer disguised as a footballer, smashing
everything that came in his direction – football, opponent, even referees. The
boy grew up to be a talisman.
It has been a privilege witnessing
Wayne Rooney evolve, from a boy wonder to the man who has lead club and country
with remarkable grace. The fact that he is the leading goal scorer for both is
indeed impressive for someone who has shown the tactical maturity to play in
different positions.
He is loved and loathed in equal
measure, because conventional has never been his thing, defiance has been. From
his playing style, to his off field conduct, to his ability to question those in
authority…Wayne has been different and he continues to be. Not many footballers
would have the gumption of going back to their former clubs, and ignore the
comforts of MLS / China.
Wayne Rooney has faced a lot of
flak in recent times for his form, and some of it rightly so. But, Rooney
will not be remembered for when his form deserted him, he will be remembered for
the impact he had on matches, the way he lead Manchester United during its
darkest years, the all-round footballer that he was and above all, the boy
wonder who fulfilled his potential. All great sporting legends regress towards
the end of their careers, but they are forever remembered for what they once
were and not how they aged. History too will be kinder to our beloved Wazza….and
we shall never forget the name “Wayne Rooney”
P.S: All the very best at Everton,
here’s hoping you break Shearer’s PL goals record.
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