LIONEL MESSI INSISTS Wayne Rooney has “exceptional quality” and believes the Manchester United striker would be a success in La Liga.
Rooney scored 14 goals in all competitions for United last season but was occasionally deployed in a deeper midfield role by manager Louis van Gaal.
The 29-year-old is also two behind Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals for England and could add to his tally on Sunday as Roy Hodgson’s side face Slovenia in their Euro 2016 qualifier.
When asked why England have a problem producing world-class players, Messi told Shortlist: “I am not sure that it is true. If you look at the technical ability of a player like Wayne Rooney, he is as good as any player in Europe.
“Rooney has exceptional quality. Not just great technical ability, but also works very hard for his team. I’m sure Manchester United will never want to let him leave, though.”
Arsene Wenger has previously revealed that Arsenal were close to signing Messi in 2003 and the Barcelona forward admits he is unsure how his career would have progressed if he left Spain.
“It is hard to say, because my education would have been very different to what I have had at Barcelona, but the Premier League is obviously one of the best and most competitive in Europe,” said the Argentine.
It’s going to be an interesting season. It’s hard to call who’s going to win it since all the clubs change around so much. Dundalk should win it again on paper but this Cork side looks good. I really rated Bolger last season and thought he held pats together in midfield so with the players around him I’d say cork could be that bit harder to beat.
Are clubs still paying a yearly registration fee. If so what is it this year?
Hard to know if Dundalk will still have the hunger. Last season was all about becoming the first Dundalk team to win two in a row, this season, I think a decent run in Europe is the aim. Maybe that will affect our league progress. Having said that, it’s hard to see a better team in the league.
Maybe fix up the ground should be part of this seasons plan too for Dundalk with the recent success , it has to be the worst stadium in Ireland. How it got approved for European football last season still has me shocked.
Problem with lease that is preventing them from upgrading. http://www.the42.ie/dundalk-statement-oriel-park-2585281-Feb2016/
Compleatly forgot about that ! Fair point it’s a sticky situation.
Have to agree with you, the stadium is in a shocking state. Unfortunately the leasing issue seems to be holding up any developments. Personally I’d love to see the pitch ripped up and a return to grass.