Wayne Rooney: Ryan Giggs Is My Role Model

Striker constantly looks to veteran Welshman for inspiration.

Nov 5, 2009 11:15:03 AM

More On :  Manchester United
Rooney and Giggs celebrate, Manchester UTD-FC Seoul
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that he takes inspiration from the career of Old Trafford team-mate Ryan Giggs.
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Rooney has spent six seasons so far with the Red Devils and would like to emulate the Welshman's longevity and end his career with the club.

"I have always said I would love to end my career at this club," the former Everton man told MUTV.

"If I can get anywhere near what Ryan has done it would be an amazing achievement because I regard him as the perfect role model.

"You must have great respect for the way his life is and the way he handles himself. The things he has done throughout his career and the things he has won are unbelievable.

"Everyone looks up to him and if I even get close to the number of games he has played I would be delighted."

And, perhaps ironically, it is Rooney's boyhood affection for local heroes Everton that led to him wanting to play ply his trade at the other end of the East Lancs Road with United.

"United won most of the trophies in the 1990s and for me, as an Everton fan, it was a chance to have a go back at the Liverpool fans," he explained.

"When the Liverpool supporters started to bother me, I could always go on about United winning the league.

"Then, once I started playing for Everton and England, I could see the way United played.

"I knew a few of the players through England and they would tell me how good it was. The manager is great as well, someone any player would want to play for.

"All those things were factors in me coming to the club."

Rooney made his debut for the Toffees as a 16-year-old and he acknowledges that he is a vastly different person now from the youth he was back then.

"The profile has changed me," he added.

"From when I first got into the England team until I was 20 or 21, I was a bit naive. I used to go out and do different things.

"Obviously, in the end, you realise you can't because there are young kids watching. You have to try and set an example.

"It is something you are aware of and something you need to keep an eye on."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com


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