Every word from Wayne Rooney's final England pre-match press conference
Rooney will end his England career against the USA on Thursday
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Wayne Rooney understands why his international return might divide opinion but hopes such occasions become the norm for England greats of the future.
Nobody has scored more goals for the national team, nor has any outfield player represented the Three Lions more, but news of the 33-year-old's one-off comeback appearance against the United States still split opinion.
The debate over Rooney's 120th and final cap dominated a packed press conference previewing the friendly, but the DC United forward brushed aside those questioning the decision to recognise in contribution.
Instead, the former Manchester United and Everton great hopes this will become the norm for stars of the future. Here is everything he had to say.
Match preview
When is the match?
The match kicks-off at 8pm on Thursday 15 November.
What have they been saying?
Rooney: “I don't know how much I'm going to play.
“I'll speak to [manager] Gareth Southgate and whatever he wants me to play I'm happy to. It's Gareth's call.
“It's a huge honour for the Football Association to grant me this game.
“To play and be involved in the squad, see some old team-mates and Gareth Southgate, and some of the coaching staff, will be a great moment.
“To pull on the England jersey again in front of the fans will be a way of me to say thank you for the support they've shown me over my time playing for England.”
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Q: Controversial decision. Do you understand the criticism?
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. The most important thing is that we both felt it was the right decision. I think as a country we haven't done anything like this before, I hope that in 10-15 years we are sat here for somebody else, say Harry Kane, somebody who could go on and get the scoring record.
It's something different. I am not asking people to agree.
Money is being raised for children which is important to me.
Q: What will it feel like coming on at Wembley?
It will be strange but something I am looking forward to. It was strange getting back with the players at training. But running out at Wembley again will be something I am proud of. A special moment.
Q: Are you good enough to start?
Whatever Gareth wants from me I will give him. I know this is the last game. I am not putting pressure on him for anything, such as the No 10 shirt or the armband. I told Gareth he has to get out of the game what he needs. And then bring me on when it is right.
Q: Will this be the last time you play in England?
I think I made the decision to go to the States and when I make a decision I stick with it. It's important that I give my full commitment to DC. I am not prepared to come back here on loan. I am finding my feet in the States and my children go to school there, it's not fair on them.
I will finish my career there.
Q: Did you watch England at WC?
I thought they were excellent. The coach got the prep spot on, with the change in formation. The players did more than what people expected. It's a shame they couldn't take the next step and get to the final but from my point of view, I felt an enormous amount of pride. It was really satisfying to watch, knowing that was my country, doing me proud.
Q: What's Southgate like as a manager?
I would have to say fearless. A lot of the other managers didn't give the youth the chance to express themselves. Gareth has tried to do that and not only given them experience, but belief. So I think he is the only one of the 6 managers I played for that has done that, bringing in so many young players as a group. He deserves a lot of credit.
Q: Three years since a goal at Wembley. How important to score?
It would be the perfect ending. But it's not important. It would be nice. The main thing for me is running out one last time. And getting the opportunity to thank the fans for the years that I played for them. As I said before, it is an important night to try and raise money for the children who I am really close to. It is an important match and to score would be perfect, but it won't ruin it if I don't.
Q: Any regrets?
Things happen, good and bad. You have to accept that. It would have been nice to won something but not many England players have done that. I appreciate my times in the squad and I met some great people and made some great friends. My only regret if you like was not having that last game, to say thank you to the fans.
Q: Difference in intensity on return to training?
The Premier League in my opinion is the best league there is. There are a few differences of course, but to come back and be around the lads again has been something I have really enjoyed.
Q: What were your emotions when you found out?
I knew I would be playing on Thursday when we went out of the play-offs, with DC. I spoke with Gareth and he felt it was right.
It felt strange but I am excited and looking forward to the game.
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