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.
“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.”
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