Wayne Rooney couldn’t be more proud after an enormous and emotional evening at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Manchester United played a goalless draw with Everton during the captain’s testimonial charity match.
It was undoubtedly a special one to remember, especially for Rooney, who has always been a team player. Now it must have been an odd sensation to know that it’s a night dedicated just to him, celebrating his own phenomenal career.
Well, to correct ourselves, it wasn’t actually just for Wayne. His family could rejoice with the fantastic footballer, who was accompanied by his three sons through a guard of honour onto the pitch right before kick-off. There they could see a magnificent red mosaic with the word “Rooney”, which was something he can really be proud of. The player was proud indeed to share the moment with his family and the huge, supporting crowd.
It’s a great night and a proud moment for me in my career – something I’ll never forget. We raised a lot of money for charity, which is fantastic. – he said.
Rooney played 53 minutes of the event against his only previous Premier League club, then came off to a standing ovation. The fans, as well as the players and managers, paid tribute to Wayne Rooney’s 12 successful years as a Red.
It’s a one-off game and you have to appreciate it and take it in because it will never happen again. I remember a lot of moments from my time here and hopefully there will be more to come.
Here’s to many more of the same from the admirable captain…
Have you wondered about how the players paid tribute to the skipper? They shared it on their social media, and we brought you 15 of the best and most emotional tributes. Check them out below!
1. David De Gea, teammate
Captain and legend! @WayneRooney ?? #mufc pic.twitter.com/WCEkyBHWPM
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) August 3, 2016
2. Marcos Rojo, teammate
https://twitter.com/marcosrojo5/status/760965423189942272
3. Chris Smalling, teammate
Congratulations @WayneRooney great achievement and fully deserved! #legend #mufc pic.twitter.com/IzPn5kyZ8c
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 3, 2016
4. Ander Herrera, teammate
Congratulations Wayne @WayneRooney , you deserve it ! pic.twitter.com/xIw7gAX6v5
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) August 3, 2016
5. Eric Bailly, teammate
First day at Old Trafford. What a feeling! ? Thank you.?? Great night for @WayneRooney. A pleasure to play with him. pic.twitter.com/Q1iUgu8nwK
— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) August 3, 2016
6. Daley Blind, teammate
Great moment for @WayneRooney and his family, its an honor to play with you! #Legend ? pic.twitter.com/ctvky8h5bm
— Daley Blind (@BlindDaley) August 3, 2016
7. Jesse Lingard, teammate
Special night tonight for @WayneRooney.Happy to be involved in such a great event! Hope you enjoy your night?? pic.twitter.com/WgzAxyCzDu
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) August 3, 2016
8. Michael Carrick, teammate
9. Marouane Fellaini, teammate
10. Morgan Schneiderlin, teammate
11. Andreas Pereira, teammate
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIqduevjs_N/?taken-by=andreaspereira44
12. Memphis Depay, teammate
13. Marcus Rashford, teammate
14. Edwin van der Sar, an old teammate
Well done @WayneRooney for all that you achieved already and enjoy your testimonial game tonight!! @ManUtd #wazza pic.twitter.com/WvXbZzYnNx
— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) August 3, 2016
15. Olly Murs, singer and Man U fan
Great to see the main man @waynerooney celebrating 12years @manutd tonight for his testimonial ?? pic.twitter.com/daXHIWgoQo
— Olly Murs (@ollymurs) August 3, 2016