Wayne Rooney picks team he wishes he'd joined leaving Gary Neville speechless

29 May 2024 , 01:00

987     0

Wayne Rooney has named the team he wished he would have played for during his career (Image: The Overlap)

Wayne Rooney left Gary Neville stunned after revealing that Celtic are the team he wished he would have played for during his career.

The 38-year-old made over 850 appearances and scored more than 350 goals in his glittering career which spanned almost 20 years. He started off at boyhood club Everton but left to join Manchester United in August 2004, aged 18, for a fee of £20million plus add-ons - a then record transfer fee for a teenager.

Rooney became a club legend at Old Trafford, winning the Champions League, five Premier League titles and many other major trophies as United dominated English football. In January 2017, Rooney surpassed Bobby Charlton to become their leading goalscorer with his 250th strike for the club.

He finished his United career at the end of that season and returned to Everton for a short spell. A stint in the United States with DC United followed before Rooney ended his professional playing career at Derby, where he was then appointed as manager to kickstart his career in the dugout.

However, Rooney has now confirmed that, as well as the teams he played for, he would have wanted to don the Celtic shirt during his career. When asked by Neville on The Overlap - brought to you by Sky Bet - which club he wished he could have played for, Rooney replied: "Celtic I'd say."

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

A surprised Neville then said: "Celtic? Wow. Celtic fans you missed out there."

Rooney has endured a difficult start to his managerial career but was appointed as head coach of Championship side Plymouth on Saturday after his dismissal from Birmingham City in January. Rooney spent only 83 days in the hotseat at Blues before being sacked after winning just two of his 15 matches in charge.

Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new Plymouth boss (Getty Images)

Speaking after he was confirmed as the new Plymouth boss, Rooney said: "Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for the faith they have shown in me.

"This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.

"I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park. The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I can't wait for the Championship season to start in August."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Kieran King