Wayne Rooney has responded calmly to Michael Owen’s recent claim that he was the better player at 17.
Owen made the statement during a podcast with Rio Ferdinand, sparking debate among fans online. When asked about it on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, Rooney took a diplomatic approach.
“Michael and I brought different strengths to the pitch,” Rooney said. “As a kid, I’d play on the streets pretending to be Michael Owen, even though he was a Liverpool lad.”
Rooney, who is six years younger than Owen, said he understood why his former England and Manchester United teammate backed himself.
“I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself. But I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside,” he added.
The debate over who was better at 17 — Owen or Rooney — has continued to trend on social media since the remarks.
