Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame
As confirmed by the club’s official website, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth player from the Manchester side to be added to the elite list of stars.
Rooney moved from Everton to United as a teenager in 2004, impressing at Goodison Park as one of the most talented youngsters in the country and making himself a global presence at Euro 2004 before he signed a deal with the Red Devils.
The Englishman reacted to the news, saying that it was a huge honour for him to be named in the Hall of Fame alongside an incredible list of players that had already been inducted. He joins other Red Devils legends David Beckham, Eric Cantona, and Roy Keane in the list.
“It’s a huge honour for me to be named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, alongside an incredible group of players who have already been inducted.”
Apart from the 36-year-old Wayne Rooney, the PL also inducted Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira to the Hall of Fame in 2022 for his achievements and incredible performances in the English top-flight whilst playing under Arsene Wenger at Highbury. He is currently the manager of PL side Crystal Palace.
“Lucky enough to win”
The legendary No. 10 was a goal machine during his career at Old Trafford, rising to the top of the scoring charts at the club and ending his time with the Red Devils by becoming the all-time top scorer. His achievements in the top-flight are noteworthy too, with Rooney ranking second in the Premier League’s goals chart with 208 strikes, only behind Alan Shearer.
The former England skipper said that his dream was always to become a professional football and win trophies, adding that he was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times in his playing career whilst turning out for Everton and Manchester United.
“Growing up, I watched the Premier League as far back as I can remember. My dream was always to become a professional footballer, score goals, and win trophies, and I was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times.”
The Hall of Fame was launched last year, and is recognised as the highest individual honour awarded to former players by the Premier League. It honours retired stars who have an exceptional record of on-pitch success and have shown significant contribution to the league since its inception in 1992.
There can be no surprise about Rooney’s name featuring on the list, given his playing career in the Premier League lasting nearly over two decades. He only played for the Toffees and the Red Devils in the top-flight, before turning out for DC United in the MLS and Derby County in the Championship.
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A scorer of many great goals at Old Trafford, the fans will never forget his incredible bicycle kick goal against city rivals Manchester City to hand his side a 2-1 win on the way to yet another PL title. His leadership skills were also recognised, being appointed club captain in his final years at the club.
A legend not just of United but also of the game, the Hall of Fame honour is well deserved for Rooney. He was always a team player that played his heart out for the club and his teammates, never caring for individual honours. Now that he is retired, it is time for him to rake in the individual awards and titles, which is fully deserved for his time on the pitch.
