WAYNE ROONEY appeared to take a dig at the BBC after leaving his “unfortunate” Euro 2024 punditry role.
The England and Manchester United legend delighted fans with his observations for several of the tournament’s games this month.
Wayne Rooney appeared to take a dig at the BBC as he left his punditry roleBBC
Rooney’s latest TV appearance saw him cover Belgium’s dire 0-0 draw with Ukraine.
And the player-turned-manager revealed it would be his last outing as he is returning home for the start of Plymouth Argyle’s Championship season.
Wazza landed the job in May, five months after being sacked by relegated Birmingham.
But he hinted he had not been pleased with his punditry role on the BBC after not being selected for any of their England matches.
The national broadcaster landed two of the Three Lions’ group stage games.
However, they instead opted to hand spots to Cesc Fabregas, Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards and Thomas Frank.
And Rooney, who has made more appearances than any other England outfield player with 120 caps, suggested he had instead been given dud matches.
The 38-year-old, who also scored 53 times for his nation, told the Football Daily podcast: “It’s been OK. Obviously it’s different and new to what I’ve been used to.
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“I’ve done TV in the past but spent quite a bit of time here, it’s been different but I’ve enjoyed it.
“Unfortunately I haven’t had any of the England games to talk about and the games I’ve done haven’t been the greatest, but it’s nice to spend some time here.”
BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in full
Here’s how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
Rooney also opened up on the criticism of Gareth Southgate’s side by various pundits, including BBC host Gary Lineker.
Having now experienced both sides of the fray, he continued: “Obviously a lot of the tournaments over the last 20 years I’ve been involved in as a player.
“And now on the other side and seeing the perspective from a pundit’s point of view. We’ve seen the back and forth between the England camp and pundits, it’s a bit strange.
“But I think everything that’s been said has been right really and the players and manager have come out and said all the same things.
“So it’s a bit strange. You always want to try and be careful but also want to be truthful with the words you give.”
On his new job with Plymouth, Rooney added: “I fly home tomorrow, the lads are back on the third of July, so I’ll be home and straight down to Plymouth.
“The excitement was there today when you see the fixtures. You look through the opening games, your Christmas schedule and stuff so yeah, really excited.”
Wayne Rooney’s managerial career
2020 – 2022: Derby County
Games in charge: 84
Wins: 25
Draws: 21
Losses: 38
2022 – 2023: D.C United
Games in charge: 53
Wins: 14
Draws: 13
Losses: 26
2023 – 2024: Birmingham City
Games in charge: 15
Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Losses: 9