Wayne Rooney has revealed that his admiration for Celtic F.C. began in childhood — and it was club legend Henrik Larsson who inspired his loyalty.
The former Manchester United F.C. and Everton F.C. striker admitted that one of his biggest career regrets was never pulling on the famous green and white Hoops. Despite enjoying a glittering career in England, Rooney says Celtic always held a special place in his heart.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney explained: “Just growing up as a kid I’ve always liked Celtic. I’ve just always liked Celtic. My dad, my family, everything.
“When I was growing up, obviously there was Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton up top, John Hartson when he was there.
“Some of the players Celtic have had and moments they’ve given us is incredible. During the best part of my career I always thought I’d love to play for Celtic at the end of my career, and it obviously wasn’t to be.”
Larsson, widely regarded as one of Celtic’s greatest-ever players, left a lasting impression on Rooney. The Swede’s goalscoring exploits in Glasgow captured the imagination of fans — including a young Rooney watching from England.
In fact, Rooney has also admitted he underestimated Larsson before eventually playing alongside him during the striker’s loan spell at Manchester United.
“Yeah, it was mad,” Rooney said. “Watching Henrik growing up and then all of a sudden he comes to us on loan and I’m playing in front of him.
“And do you know what, he was better than what I thought. Because when you’re watching him play for Celtic — and not to sound disrespectful — you’re thinking, ‘Oh, it’s in Scotland, it’s Scottish football, it’s not as good as the Premier League.’ And then he came in to play with us.”
Larsson’s legacy in Glasgow remains untouchable, and Rooney’s admission only adds to the Swede’s enduring influence. For one of England’s greatest forwards to credit him as the reason he became a Celtic supporter speaks volumes about the impact Larsson had beyond Scotland
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