Wayne Rooney has revealed how he used to defy the advice of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson while on international duty with England.
Rooney, who played for England between 2003 and 2018, is one of the most decorated players in his nation's history.
With 53 goals, Rooney is behind only Harry Kane in the list of England's all-time top goalscorers.
In addition Rooney has the highest amount of caps for an England outfield player with 120, with goalkeeper Peter Shilton the only star to have played more times for the Three Lions overall.
Ferguson, who managed United from 1986 until 2013, often used to instruct his players to only play 45 minutes during games while on international duty.
However, given his passion for playing for his country, Rooney frequently informed the national team manager that he was available to play the full game.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast on BBC, Rooney said: 'I used to love getting called up to England, whether it was a friendly, whether it was a qualifier, I used to love going, meeting up with the players.
'That's probably the reason I got 120 caps because I never used to pull out.
'I always remember Alex Ferguson before we'd go in some of the games and I'm sure he'd speak to the England manager as well.
'He'd be like 'Right, no more than 45 minutes. Make sure you come off after 45 minutes or you only play 45 minutes.' I'm like 'yeah, yeah'.
'So I'd get to England and I'd be like, 'Boss I want to play 90 minutes. I want to play the full game, don't take me off'.
'I used to love playing. Whereas some players were different and some players would protect themselves with injuries as well, especially in the friendly games. I used to love going'.
Rooney featured for England at six major tournaments and scored twice at Euro 2004 when he was just 18 years old.
Despite his significant impact on the international stage, however, Rooney wasn't able to help England win any silverware.
When Rooney played the England squads often contained many United players including the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Michael Carrick.
However, perhaps as an indication of the club's current struggles, there aren't any United players in the current England squad.
Maubcptuyz
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Good legend we need boys to be men!
Sturzino
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flip as a coach
adedefender
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Bro shouldn't have spilled the bean 🤣
I swear. Lol
Charliequin99
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That's why you can't successfully coach anybody today. No player will listen to you. KARMA!
Bro shouldn't have spilled the bean 🤣
adedefender
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That's why you can't successfully coach anybody today. No player will listen to you. KARMA!
Mnyaku1
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most of the best players failed in time of coaching
Absolutely correct.. 💯
Kiaadekpz
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There are about 5 former players who won't let go of United and insist on remaining relevant by bringing their stories and successes under Ferguson holding the club ransom. Nobody cares really but they have made it their mission to try to force people to think of them as if they were the best but they were not. Even in punditry it's not about the club but them and their legacy without the foreign United legends that made it all possible. Cantona, Ronaldo, Stam and many more respect the fact that their time at the club is long gone.
This anger is for how long??😂😂😂
Niccdortu
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There are about 5 former players who won't let go of United and insist on remaining relevant by bringing their stories and successes under Ferguson holding the club ransom. Nobody cares really but they have made it their mission to try to force people to think of them as if they were the best but they were not. Even in punditry it's not about the club but them and their legacy without the foreign United legends that made it all possible. Cantona, Ronaldo, Stam and many more respect the fact that their time at the club is long gone.
Rinkachi2221
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Recycled news..
Davichi
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The great SAF actually had so much control back than and that helped him lead the team to many successes.
BREEZE_WEST
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No wonder Man U won so much trophy in the past .. they players only play 45 mins for national team why Chelsea players play with all their heart and get injured a lot for their international team .. no wonder .. now the jig is up and the club can’t move forward anymore 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nekbcdoprt
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The reason why Rooney failed as coach is now clear..he don't want to follow some of the Ferguson instructions😅
most of the best players failed in time of coaching
Nekbcdoprt
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this is the only man United player I supported during his era
Mnyaku1
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The reason why Rooney failed as coach is now clear..he don't want to follow some of the Ferguson instructions😅
Amaraonyedot
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player you are ♥️