Wayne Rooney became England’s all-time top goalscorer last night, converting a penalty against Switzerland to register for the 50th time in internationals, moving past Sir Bobby Charlton’s 45-year-old benchmark.
His teammates applauded their captain as he entered the changing room after the match – which England won 2-0 – and manager Roy Hodgson presented the Manchester United star with a commemorative England shirt, with the number 50 on the back.
The 29-year-old described breaking the record as ‘a huge moment for myself, my family and my career’, whilst thanking the players, management and staff for their support.
Watch the full video here:
The accolades came flooding in for Rooney, who also stated his desire to play on, and keep extending his record, with the ultimate goal to gain a Championship winning medal, the absence of which remains the only black mark on his CV.
Here’s some of the social media reaction from teammates, former colleagues and pundits:
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 8, 2015
Genuinely thrilled for @WayneRooney . A terrific player with a record that will last for a long, long time. Or will it @hkane28 ?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 8, 2015
That record is a great one to have. Congratulations @WayneRooney
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 8, 2015
Sitting on top of that tree now Wazza.. The big 50 !! Never in doubt… Well done mate. It’s the stuff of dreams. @WayneRooney
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) September 8, 2015
Image courtesy of Duncan Hull, via Flickr, with thanks.