Paul Pogba was caught off guard when it was revealed to him that his former Manchester United skipper, Wayne Rooney, has retired from international duty.
The French midfielder was at the launch of UEFA’s new Respect campaign, #equalgame, and had totally missed the news that England’s most prolific striker had hung up his international boots to focus on Everton.
And after overcoming his surprise at the news, Pogba gave a glowing tribute to Rooney – who he played alongside last season – and says he has been a great example to young players.
‘Oh! I didn’t know about this!’ he exclaimed when told the news.
‘I think he’s a legend. If he says he’s retired already, we wish we can see players like him all the time on the pitch because he’s respectful, he does what he loves, and he’s a top guy.
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‘He will always be a legend. That’s how I call him, a legend. He scored 200 goals in the Premier League, he’s a really, really top player and I think young players can look up to him to improve and carry on like him.’
He added: ‘You always miss a captain and a legend like him. He’s got experience, he won trophies, he’s a top player who can help the team.’
Rooney has scored in his opening two matches for Everton, helping them claim four points, while United have been rampant in his absence, racking up eight goals and topping the Premier League table.
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