Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney attended Donald Trump’s Christmas party at the White House on Tuesday.
Rooney – who plays for Major League Soccer side DC United in Washington – and his wife Colleen were the guests of honour and brought their four sons along for the soirée in the US capital.
It seems the striker scored the invite courtesy of Trump’s son Barron – the 12-year-old is a huge football fan and has played for DC United’s youth teams.
Barron, who posed with some of the team’s stars at a White House Easter party last year, is said to play for his private school’s team, and has been seen practising on the lawn near the Oval Office in his Arsenal jersey.
A source told British newspaper The Sun: “Coleen and Wayne were stunned when they received a personal invite from Donald inviting them to the White House.
“It wasn’t political. For them this was a chance to go inside one of the most iconic buildings in the world and give their children this experience of being there for the Christmas party, which is always spectacular.”
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Rooney’s family were also reportedly given a guided tour of President Trump’s private quarters at the White House – but the Oval Office was said to be off limits.
“The Rooneys are a really nice family and it’s an extra special welcome to Washington for them,” the source told The Sun. “It’s an experience none of them will ever forget.”
Many high-profile US sports stars such as the NBA’s Stephen Curry and LeBron James have refused to visit Trump’s White House.
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers both boycotted the traditional trip after winning NBA Championships.
Trump also called off a visit from Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles in June, with many of the team’s players reportedly set to snub the occasion.
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