Wayne Rooney was hailed as one of the best English footballers by Mesut Ozil. The German midfielder praised Rooney's skills and achievements in a post on social media.
What did Ozil say about Rooney?
Ozil referred to Rooney as 'one of the best' ever in English football history when he decided to retire in 2021. He posted a picture of himself and his former rival, with a caption congratulating Rooney on his incredible football career.
Rooney scored 53 goals in 120 games for the Three Lions. He also won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford.
Why did Ozil admire Rooney?
Ozil took on Manchester United 14 times across his career. Those encounters appeared to help him form a strong respect for Rooney. Ozil also wrote online that Rooney was 'one of the greatest players in Premier League history and English national team'.
He added that Rooney was 'world-class at his peak'. Ozil also believed that Rooney would be a great coach.
What about Rooney's opinion of Ozil?
It turns out that the feeling was mutual as Rooney once suggested Manchester United sign the German icon. However, this didn't go down too well with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson recalled the incident in his autobiography, saying that Rooney told him they should have pursued Mesut Ozil. Ferguson replied that it was none of Rooney's business who they should have gone for.
The iconic coach explained that Ozil wasn't on their radar at the time. Ferguson said that Ozil played wide right at Werder Bremen, then played off the front towards the end of the season.
Ozil went to South Africa and did very well, but still wasn't considered by Manchester United. Ferguson told Rooney that it was his job to play and perform, while the coach's job was to pick the correct teams.
What could have been?
It would have been exciting to see Ozil share the pitch with Rooney at Old Trafford. However, Ferguson was too stubborn to take on Rooney's advice, and Ozil eventually joined Arsenal instead.
Arsenal fans will be delighted that Ferguson didn't take Rooney's advice. Ozil won four FA Cups with the Gunners, and his signing was a major coup for the club.
Rooney and Ozil have a lot of respect for each other, despite playing for different teams. Their mutual admiration is a testament to their skills and achievements on the pitch.
Ozil's praise for Rooney is a reminder of the Englishman's impressive career. Rooney won numerous titles and individual awards, and is widely regarded as one of the best English footballers of all time.
Rooney's legacy continues to be felt in the football world. His achievements on the pitch have inspired a generation of young players, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
On 18 June 2021, Rooney announced his retirement from football. Ozil was quick to praise his former rival, and the two have remained on good terms since their playing days.
Their respect for each other is clear, and their mutual admiration is a great example of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists in football. Rooney and Ozil may have played for different teams, but they have a deep respect for each other's skills and achievements.