England Manager Roy Hodgson present for Wayne RooneyEngland striker Wayne Rooney completed the landmark of 50 goals in international arena. The record is the first by any Englishman in football. Previous record holder at 49 goals, Sir Bobby Charlton sent his personal regards for the striker.
Wayne Rooney scored a late penalty against Switzerland
The striker has struggled for goals this season, most of the goals so far he scored have been from the spot. Against Switzerland too, it was another spot kick that got Rooney the prestigious record of completing 50 goals.
Wayne Rooney received an applauding welcome in the England dressing room after the match. And manager Roy Hodgson presented the striker, a shirt with Rooney’s name with the number 50 on it.
However, what followed from the England striker is a gesture of complete maturity from one of the world’s best forward players in football.
Here are some excerpts from Wayne Rooney’s dressing room speech
It’s a great feeling,” said Rooney. “I’ve been close for the last few games and to have now achieved it is a dream come true. I was bit emotional when the goal went in: it’s a huge honour and one I am extremely proud of. I knew it was a big moment with the penalty so I just picked my corner and put my boot through it to get as much power as possible and make it hard for the goalkeeper. He got a touch but, thankfully, it had too much power.
“To be the record goalscorer before the age of 30 is nothing I could ever have imagined. I went through a spell around 2009-10 when I didn’t score for a year for England, but since Roy’s come in I’ve scored a lot of goals. I’m grateful to Roy for letting me play with the freedom that I enjoy,” added Wayne Rooney.
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