England soccer star Wayne Rooney has shocked his club Manchester United
by telling them he wants to leave. There has been a lot of speculation
in the press recently about Rooney’s poor form on the pitch and his
relationship with the club. The usually red-hot striker has only scored
once in five games this season. His manager Sir Alex Ferguson has used
him as a substitute instead of putting him in the starting eleven.
Ferguson told reporters it was because Rooney had an ankle injury, but
the player says he is fully fit. Signs of trouble started in September
when news came out that Rooney had cheated on his wife by visiting two
prostitutes. Coach Ferguson did not play him in the game following this
saying he wanted to protect his player from taunts and abuse from rival
fans.
Worse news might still come for Manchester United fans, who until now
had adored Rooney. There are many reports in the English newspapers
that bitter cross-town rivals Manchester City will bid for Rooney’s
talents. That would be extremely hard to swallow for many United fans.
City is the richest club in the world, being backed by Abu Dhabi sheikh
Mansour al Nahyan, and is one of the few in world football who could
afford Rooney’s wages. Sir Alex is shocked at Rooney’s request and
cannot understand why the player feels the way he does. He would like
his best player to stay at the club, telling reporters: "I feel that we
still have to keep the door open for him… We're as bemused as anyone
can be and can't understand why he would want to leave."