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: On the criticism.
I think the FA are trying to move in a different direction and celebrate the players who have made an impact for their country. It will divide opinion because it's the first one, but hopefully there will be more.
Q: Was the criticism a surprise, for you and Coleen?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Meow!
Q: What advice would you give to England youngsters?
Enjoy it. It is a huge honour. Probably the biggest honour you can have. Enjoy it because it's not always going to be good. Keep trying to learn and make sure you are one of the players who can try and bring a trophy back to England. It's long overdue. The squad is growing and getting better and I am excited to see them at the next tournament.
Q: When you were playing did you notice connection with former players missing?
Yeah. I can't recall a time when an ex-player came to the training ground or was around the players. I am not saying that is right or wrong. But Gareth is trying to move forward and do things this way. Hoddle has been here, Wright has been here. For some players they are big heroes and it's nice for them, and for the ex-players to know that they are not forgotten. It's nice for them to feel part of things.
Q: So legends can provide inspiration?
Yeah. Some of my heroes growing up, Gascoigne and Shearer, it would have been nice to see them walk in the dressing room when I wasa youngster. It would have been great for the team to speak to them and get some advice. What Gareth is doing is the right thing. I am sure people will come to accept it.
Q: Consider other options?
I only really knew this was happening after the MLS play-offs. Things weren't confirmed. But we felt things were right. So here we are. It will be a special moment.
Q: Was this your idea?
It was a joint decision.
Q: Your last game. A dream you could come back?
No. It will be my last game. My form has been good in the States. If I got called up in a different scenario then that would be different. But this will be my last game.
Q: What was it like to hear Kane saying he would hand the armband over to you? Are you a fan?
Harry, first of all, is a great person. He is also a great footballer. It was great to see him get the Golden Boot. I know how hard he works. If he hands it over, great, but the important thing is not the armband or the No 10 or the ninety minutes. It's the opportunity to pull on the shirt. It will be a special moment.
Q: Generational shift. People talk more about their emotions now. How has this changed the set-up?
I don't think it's a new togetherness. It's something that comes when you bring a group of young players in together. I believed that these young players were good enough to give things a real go, maybe not in Russia but at their next tournament.
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