Wayne Rooney made a long-lasting impression on a former Manchester United teammate after he dropped two important lessons that showed his elite mindset.
The 38-year-old legendary former Manchester United and England striker enjoyed an incredible spell at Old Trafford after his move from Everton in 2004.
Wayne Rooney’s illustrious playing career saw him eclipse fellow United legend Sir Bobby Charlton as the Premier League club’s all-time leading scorer.
The United and England legend, who scored 253 times in 559 appearances for the Red Devils, hoovered up the major silverware during his time at Old Trafford.
Rooney lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, a Europa League, an FA Cup and three League Cups before his time with United ended.
The ex-United star, who is one of the best strikers of all time, left the club in 2017 and completed a return to boyhood side Everton for a brief second spell.
Rooney’s impact on ex-Man Utd teammate
Wayne Rooney also had brief spells with DC United and Derby County before he called it time on his remarkable playing career in 2021.
The former Manchester United captain has since entered the world of coaching and held several managerial posts, including his current role at Plymouth Argyle.
Jesse Lingard broke into the United first team after rising through the ranks of the academy and shared the pitch with Rooney for both club and country.
The 31-year-old former United star recalled how Rooney sent a clear-cut message to him when he spotted what he was wearing in his first Champions League match.
Jesse Lingard also revealed that former United teammate Rooney once warned him not to “buy a new car” until he had reached a 50-match milestone at the club.
“I remember how Wayne Rooney was with me when I was a youngster,” he said in his column for The Times.
“My first Champions League game, it was -5C and I tried wearing gloves. ‘No,’ Wayne said. ‘We’re Manchester United.’
“I also remember him warning me: ‘Don’t go out and buy a new car until you’ve played at least 50 games.’”
Lingard on adopting Rooney’s lessons
Jesse Lingard is currently with K League 1 side FC Seoul after he completed a move to the South Korea-based club on a free transfer back in February.
The former England international admitted that he has settled into life in South Korea and is keen to “set examples” for the youngsters like Rooney did for him.
“Living here is fantastic,” Lingard said.
“I’m in a great apartment in Seoul, on the top floor of a building from where I can look across the whole city. Views are important to me.
“I’ve been out and about exploring, even on a bicycle, and tried local food — kimchi, of course — and made the most important discovery of all, a good barber.
“One of my best friends, Sunny, comes over from England regularly and my daughter, Hope, has visited too. We video-call every day.
“The fans, players and staff have been amazing. The dressing room? It’s a different vibe to England, but I like it.
“There’s so much respect towards the older players from the younger ones. I’m close to a few of the youngsters and try to set examples, things like doing extras in the gym or on the grass after training.”
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