Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, recently admitted he wishes he had played for Celtic at some stage during his illustrious career.
Rooney made the revelation after featuring for Manchester United Legends in a charity match against Celtic Legends, where he delighted fans by scoring a stunning free-kick on his return to the pitch.
Rooney’s Legendary Career at Manchester United
Rooney is widely considered one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players. Joining from Everton in 2004 at just 18, he quickly became a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, driving the team to domestic and European glory.
Across his 13 years at Old Trafford, Rooney won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a host of domestic trophies.
His 253 goals saw him surpass Sir Bobby Charlton to become Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, a record many believe will stand for years to come.
However, Rooney’s impact wasn’t just about finding the back of the net. His 139 assists across his time at the club showcased his creativity and footballing intelligence, taking his total contributions to an extraordinary 392 in 559 appearances.
Rooney Reveals His Desire to Play for Celtic
Despite his glittering career at United, Rooney has now revealed that he wished he had donned the famous green and white of Celtic during his playing days.
Speaking to Celtic’s club media, he said:
“Celtic has always been a team I have followed and wanted to win. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to play for Celtic. I would have liked too. But it did not work out and I did not get that chance.”
After leaving United in 2017, Rooney returned to Everton for a single season, followed by a stint in the MLS with DC United. He then moved into coaching at Derby County, where he eventually hung up his boots.
Rooney’s legacy as a hard-working, versatile forward is not only cemented at Manchester United but across English football history.