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Welbeck: 'I owe Rooney a lot, he is a brilliant help to me'
Jun 9, 2012 11:34:00 AM
The Manchester United striker has earned a place in the Euro 2012 squad following a brilliant season for his club and he admitted he has learned from his Old Trafford team-mate
England striker Danny Welbeck has revealed that club and international team-mate, Wayne Rooney is an inspiration to him when playing for his country and Manchester United.The 21-year-old has enjoyed his best season with United, playing a key role in his side's frontline alongside Rooney, which has secured him a spot in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 England squad.
Welbeck is a strong contender to lead the line for his country against France on Monday following his first senior international goal against Belgium last week. And he admitted the presence of Rooney at Old Trafford has helped him develop as a player.
"He’s fantastic and I owe Wayne a lot," said Welbeck.
"He [Rooney] has been a terrific friend and a brilliant help to me. We have really forged a great partnership and he is amazing during a game. He never stops yapping in my ear, telling me, ‘Daniel this’ and ‘Daniel that’.
"Wayne’s funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it’s Danny or Welbz. Don’t ask me why," stated the 21-year-old.
And despite competition for places for both United and England, Welbeck insists that there is no rivalry between himself and Rooney - which the former Sunderland loanee is thankful for.
"Not at all. I’m so lucky he wants me to do well and is always trying to advise what’s best for me. You can’t buy that sort of insight," he added.
"He knows what it’s like as a young player coming through in the Premier League and with England."
Rooney is suspended for England's first two matches at Euro 2012 and Welbeck is hoping to get the chance to play a part for Roy Hodgson's men.
"It’s really exciting — there are very exciting times ahead. There’s a few of us playing in our first tournament and we’re just taking it all in at the moment," he admitted.
"Of course, I’d love to play against France — but we all would. We’ve got an array of talent across the whole squad and I think everybody’s just pushing forward to get on the pitch and show what they can do.
"It’s not just the younger members of the squad who are buzzing; everybody’s looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started.
"England against France is such a massive match; you can’t get much bigger than that in European football. It’s a huge rivalry."
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