Rooney enjoyed the kind of career that most professionals could only dream of but still regrets not turning out for one club.
The ex-forward came through at Everton, making 77 appearances for the Toffees and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he netted a memorable last-minute winner against Arsenal in October 2002.
Rooney completed a £27m move to Manchester United in 2004 and over the next 13 years established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats, scoring a club-record 253 goals and winning five Premier League titles.
The 38-year-old returned to Goodison Park in 2017 before having brief spells at MLS side DC United and Championship outfit Derby County at the backend of his career.
Throughout his club career Rooney was also a mainstay in the England team, earning 120 caps for the Three Lions – the second-most in history – and scoring 53 goals, also the second-most behind current captain Harry Kane.
The peak of Rooney’s career coincided with substantial interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona but he says the club he regrets not playing for was closer to home.
Neville, who played alongside Rooney for Manchester United and England, then said: ‘Celtic? Wow. Celtic fans you missed out there.’
While Rooney’s admission may come as a surprise, he did hint at his affection for the Scottish champions last year when he posted a picture of his son, Cass, wearing a full Celtic strip to football training.
Rooney landed his fourth managerial job over the weekend after being appointed by Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
The Three Lions legend began his managerial career at Derby and has also had spells at DC United and Birmingham City.
Rooney said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to take over at Plymouth but admits managing Manchester United would be the ‘pinnacle’ of his managerial career.
‘It’s a tough one because I’ve always said that I’d love to manage Everton or Manchester United,’ he added. ‘I’d probably say United – that would be the pinnacle to manage Manchester United.
‘Everton would be more from an emotional standpoint, a club I support and love, but United would be the pinnacle really.’
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