Wayne Rooney Bio Send To Friend  

England's star turn, Rooney is viewed as one of the best players in the world. The Manchester United striker has been firmly in the spotlight since breaking into the England side aged 17 and has the potential to stay at the top of the game for years to come.

Having worked his way through the Everton academy, a 16-year-old Rooney shot to the world's attention with a stunning goal against Arsenal in 2002 and showed skill beyond his years before Manchester United signed him for around £30 million after the 2004 European Championships - in which he had played a starring role.

The powerful striker made an immediate impact with a hat-trick on his debut and went on to help United to three straight Premier League titles between 2006-2009, while also collecting numerous personal awards. In September 2008, Rooney became the youngest player in league history to make 200 appearances and, while he has been accused of failing to control his temper, remains one of the most important players in the side for club and country.

Strengths: Powerful and strong on the ball, Rooney's ability to pick a pass, shoot from distance and unselfishly work for the team is unparalleled in world football. His passion can never been called into question either.

Weaknesses: He suffers when the red mist descends and has a propensity to lose his cool in key games. Sometimes an impetuous customer, prone to easy frustration.

Career high: Rooney announced his arrival at Manchester United with a stunning Champions League hat-trick on debut against Fenerbahce in September 2004.

Career low: Being sent off against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup for stamping on a rather delicate area of Ricardo Carvalho's, after working so hard to be fit for the tournament following a metatarsal injury.

Style: Powerful, hard-working, passionate, an unselfish superstar.

Quotes: "Kaká, Ronaldo and Messi are the best three in the world at the moment and I think Wayne can get to that level if he keeps making progress." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, September 2009.

Trivia: Rooney has "Just Enough Education To Perform" tattooed on his right forearm. The line is the title of an album by his favourite band, The Stereophonics.

Soccernet says: The great hope of English football. If Rooney is at his best (and stays on the pitch), then England will be too.