Rooney: Some Ex-Players Jealous Of Success

Former England captain Wayne Rooney says some of his ex-teammates are jealous of the country’s success on the pitch.

Rooney, England’s 53-goal record scorer, never got past a major quarterfinal during his international career but watched on this summer as Gareth Southgate’s side made the World Cup semis in Russia.

But after he said his goodbyes in Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over the United States, Rooney wishes only the best for the current crop.

“I know there are some ex-players who I’ve spoken to who can’t come to terms with England doing well,” Rooney told several national newspapers ahead of Sunday’s Nations League showdown with Croatia.

“That is wrong. I’m not like that. I’m a fan now. I want England to do well. I’m proud to have played for England so many times and I always have been.

“I’ve had my time. I’m happy with what I’ve contributed to the national team and I look forward now to the next few years and watching this team progress.

“I’ve enjoyed being around Gareth [Southgate], the players, the coaching staff and seeing how it’s all developing.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve got regret [over my England career]. The main thing is that I can look back and say to myself I gave everything. It didn’t always work. It didn’t always pay off. But I have given everything when playing for England and I’ve tried to make us successful.

“Sometimes everything just isn’t enough. But no, I’ve got no regrets. I’ve had my time and it didn’t quite work out in terms of trophies. I’m happy with my international career and I’ll always look back and be proud of what I achieved for England.”