Wayne Rooney admits Sir Bobby Charlton holds one title he would swap for all others – world champion.

The 31-year-old passed Charlton’s record goals mark for England and Manchester United but, unlike the Old ­Trafford legend, has never won a World Cup .

He said: “It was a real honour for me to meet Sir Bobby when I first came to Old Trafford and many more times during my 13 years with the club.

“He was a great player and will always be a legend.

Charlton presented Wayne Rooney with a golden boot, after his record was surpassed (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty)
Charlton also presented Rooney with another golden boot after his Three Lions goalscoring feat was broken (
Image:
Reuters)

“I’m incredibly proud to have broken his goalscoring records for Manchester United and England.

“When it happened, Sir Bobby was happy for me but also, understandably, just a bit disappointed! Those records had stood for so long.

“Sir Bobby still has the one record we’d all really love to have – being part of the only England team to win the World Cup. I’d definitely give him back those goalscoring records in exchange for a World Cup winners medal – if only I could!

“Happy Birthday and all the best, Sir Bobby.”

Charlton (right) was immortalised in this iconic Daily Mirror image after England's World Cup win (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
Charlton (far right) celebrates England's 1966 World Cup triumph with his brother Jack, Martin Peters, George Cohen, Jack Bobby Moore and Ray Wilson (
Image:
EMPICS)

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON'S HONOURS LIST

  • First Division 1957, 1965, 1967
  • FA Cup 1963
  • European Cup 1968
  • World Cup 1966
  • Ballon d’Or winner 1966
  • FWA Footballer of Year 1966
  • Man Utd apps: 758 Goals: 249
  • Preston apps: 45 Goals: 10
  • Waterford apps: 4 Goals: 1
  • England appss: 106 Goals: 49
  • Awarded OBE 1969
  • Awarded CBE 1974
  • Knighthood 1994
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