Rooney hits out at disgraceful treatment following his drunken antics

The Liverpool skipper was handed the armband for his country’s friendly against Spain during the week after Wayne Rooney was ruled out through injury, a month after he captained England against Slovenia.

The Manchester City manager Guardiola refused to offer any criticism of the Manchester United captain, while recalling how he had sometimes had a drink himself during his global career with Spain.

Interim England boss Gareth Southgate, who is expected to be given the job permanently, had asked the player to cut short his drinking only for Rooney to continue until 5am.

The Manchester United captain clearly has had enough and yesterday hit out in strident terms at what he believes is unfair treatment.

Rooney, 31, apologised this week after being pictured looking the worse for wear as he mingled with guests during a late-night wedding party at the England team hotel last weekend.

But Rooney, speaking after coming on as a substitute in United’s draw against Arsenal on Saturday (Nov 19), expressed his anger at the way the incident has been portrayed.

A source close to Rooney told Press Association Sport that the player deeply regrets that the pictures were taken, with the episode underlining that he needs to be more careful when engaging with the public. “That’s because either they’re protecting themselves and doing it a different way or they’re completely football first and that governs their life”. “When you drink, you are the one responsible”.

“I’m proud to play for my country and I’m proud of my achievements. I really feel for the players”, said Klopp. “You have to respect absolutely what other people do”. “I don’t say a word about Chris Smalling”.

The Daily Mail quoted him as saying: “I haven’t heard the story from the family whose wedding it was – I’d be interested in that because I’d be amazed if they didn’t say it was fantastic he agreed to come in”.

Eddie Jones, the England rugby union coach, also put in his tuppence worth, with the FA’s review into players’ free time suggesting to the Australian that the wrong people might be in leadership roles.

“So I think when one day if I become a national manager, I will try”.

Manchester United hosted Arsenal at the Old Trafford on Saturday and shared the points.