Every word from Wayne Rooney's final England pre-match press conference
Wayne Rooney understands why his international return might divide opinion but hopes such occasions become the norm for England greats of the future.
Nobody has scored more goals for the national team, nor has any outfield player represented the Three Lions more, but news of the 33-year-old's one-off comeback appearance against the United States still split opinion.
The debate over Rooney's 120th and final cap dominated a packed press conference previewing the friendly, but the DC United forward brushed aside those questioning the decision to recognise in contribution.
Instead, the former Manchester United and Everton great hopes this will become the norm for stars of the future. Here is everything he had to say.
Wayne Rooney joined the rest of the England squad at St George's Park on Monday ahead of his one-off comeback against the United States.
The 33-year-old will come off the bench in Thursday's friendly to collect his 120th cap after the Football Association decided to honour his record-breaking international career.
Rooney, who with 53 goals is England's all-time leading goalscorer, also holds more caps than any other outfield player.
He will be a substitute at Wembley but manager Gareth Southgate will give him minutes on the pitch in a match officially known as the Wayne Rooney Foundation International.
After making his senior Three Lions debut as a 17-year-old, Rooney was still excited to be back on the scene some 15 years later, posting a message on Twitter ahead of meeting up with the squad.
"Looking forward to meeting up with the England squad later today, always a huge honour. An exciting week for FoundationWR!," he wrote.
Gareth Southgate is expected to utilise his squad over the course of the two games, with a number of fringe players likely to be given a chance to shine in the United States friendly.
Rooney's inclusion has been strongly backed by Southgate but has largely split opinion, with a number of former England internationals speaking out against the decision to award the former Manchester United man another cap.
His wife, Coleen, also took to social media to defend the FA's approach to marking Rooney's international achievements.
"Can't believe how much negativity there is going around ....Let's celebrate each other's achievements ..... A record was broken for the country after 50 years surely that deserves some sort of recognition," she wrote on Twitter.
It's nice to be back. Obviously turning up and meeting the players again was nice, some I hadn't met before. It was nice to see the staff and it has been a fantastic reception.
We were speaking with the FA for about 12 months over different ideas. There was talk about a game before the World Cup but I didn't think the timing was right. This seems the right time. My season is over and it's a friendly against the USA. We all felt it was the right time.
Q: Controversial decision. Do you understand the criticism?
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. The most important thing is that we both felt it was the right decision. I think as a country we haven't done anything like this before, I hope that in 10-15 years we are sat here for somebody else, say Harry Kane, somebody who could go on and get the scoring record.
It's something different. I am not asking people to agree.
Money is being raised for children which is important to me.
It will be strange but something I am looking forward to. It was strange getting back with the players at training. But running out at Wembley again will be something I am proud of. A special moment.
Whatever Gareth wants from me I will give him. I know this is the last game. I am not putting pressure on him for anything, such as the No 10 shirt or the armband. I told Gareth he has to get out of the game what he needs. And then bring me on when it is right.
Q: Will this be the last time you play in England?
I think I made the decision to go to the States and when I make a decision I stick with it. It's important that I give my full commitment to DC. I am not prepared to come back here on loan. I am finding my feet in the States and my children go to school there, it's not fair on them.
I thought they were excellent. The coach got the prep spot on, with the change in formation. The players did more than what people expected. It's a shame they couldn't take the next step and get to the final but from my point of view, I felt an enormous amount of pride. It was really satisfying to watch, knowing that was my country, doing me proud.
I would have to say fearless. A lot of the other managers didn't give the youth the chance to express themselves. Gareth has tried to do that and not only given them experience, but belief. So I think he is the only one of the 6 managers I played for that has done that, bringing in so many young players as a group. He deserves a lot of credit.
Q: Three years since a goal at Wembley. How important to score?
It would be the perfect ending. But it's not important. It would be nice. The main thing for me is running out one last time. And getting the opportunity to thank the fans for the years that I played for them. As I said before, it is an important night to try and raise money for the children who I am really close to. It is an important match and to score would be perfect, but it won't ruin it if I don't.
Things happen, good and bad. You have to accept that. It would have been nice to won something but not many England players have done that. I appreciate my times in the squad and I met some great people and made some great friends. My only regret if you like was not having that last game, to say thank you to the fans.
The Premier League in my opinion is the best league there is. There are a few differences of course, but to come back and be around the lads again has been something I have really enjoyed.
The match kicks-off at 8pm on Thursday 15 November.
What have they been saying?
Rooney: “I don't know how much I'm going to play.
“I'll speak to [manager] Gareth Southgate and whatever he wants me to play I'm happy to. It's Gareth's call.
“It's a huge honour for the Football Association to grant me this game.
“To play and be involved in the squad, see some old team-mates and Gareth Southgate, and some of the coaching staff, will be a great moment.
“To pull on the England jersey again in front of the fans will be a way of me to say thank you for the support they've shown me over my time playing for England.”
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.
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