Wayne Rooney has said he will have ‘no problem’ taking over the Manchester United captaincy from Nemanja Vidić, and has also set his sights on captaining England.
The striker has been heavily tipped for the captaincy as the Red Devils current skipper is leaving Old Trafford for Inter Milan in the summer.
United’s second all-time goal scorer also recently signed a new £300k-a-week contract that ties him to the Red Devils until 2019.
With Rooney committing his future to United, many have touted the Liverpudlian as the club’s next captain.
“I’ve done it a few times and, if the manager wants me to be the captain, I would have no problem with that,” Rooney told Inside United.
“I would take it with both hands. However, it is down to the manager, because it’s his decision on whoever he feels is the right person to lead the team. I’m sure he’ll make that decision when the time comes.”
The 28-year-old has led Manchester United to many inspired victories and sees himself as a vocal leader on the pitch.
Rooney said: “I think, whether you’ve got the armband or not, I always feel I’m quite vocal on the pitch. I try to help the players when I feel I can and say what I think.
“I believe that’s the most important thing, to be honest and say what you feel. If you say what you believe are the right things, you need to keep doing that.”
On an international front, the former Everton starlet has captained England on two occasions in his 89 caps.
The first was in a friendly defeat to Brazil and then in a World Cup qualifying win against San Marino.
England captain, Steven Gerrard, is doubtful to extend his captaincy beyond the World Cup finals this summer.
The Liverpool skipper will be 34 by the time the tournament comes by, and Rooney hopes he will be next in line with Gerrard entering the twilight of his career.
Rooney said: “You don’t know what Steven is going to do in the summer, only he knows.
“It’d be a great honour to captain my country but, again, it’s the manager’s call and I’m sure he’ll have a few contenders.”
The fact Rooney is even under consideration for the honour shows how much he has matured over his 12 year career.
Along with David Beckham, Rooney is the most red-carded player in England history, having been sent off twice.
Rooney has also been sent off three times for United – but hasn’t taken an early shower since 2009.
Image courtesy of Jason Cairnduff, via Action Images, with thanks.
