Wayne Rooney has delivered a knockout punch on behalf of boxing fans, Manchester United supporters and privacy advocates everywhere.
Rooney scored a stunning solo goal and followed it with a classic celebration in Manchester United’s 3-0 Premier League win over Tottenham on Sunday. Rooney’s goal and celebration were the perfect response to a weeks-old, leaked, private video that came to the public’s attention last weekend.
In the video reportedly taken in late February, Rooney and Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley engage in a mock sparring session in the star forward’s kitchen. Bardsley lands a left jab on the jaw of Rooney, who falls backward to the floor before the video stops.
Bardsley appeared to knock out Rooney in the video, but the Manchester United and England captain punched last. Rooney’s 34th-minute goal effectively sealed Manchester United’s win.
Rooney’s knockout celebration has been hailed as one of the best in Premier League’s history.
After the game, Rooney explained the nature of the video to Sky Sports, calling the leak “unfortunate.”
“That’s the world we live in today I think,” Rooney said. “It was a few mates in a private house which has somehow managed to go front page of a national newspaper.
“It’s private, in my own home, although it’s got out. It’s what friends do, they mess around in the house.
“Unfortunately it’s made the front page of the newspaper, so you have to just deal with that.”
“I have to accept that, but it was me and a few friends joking around,” the England striker added.
“I’ve been focused on the game, I think it’s more interesting for other people rather than myself.
“I think you can see today I’ve done a professional job, got on with the game, and gladly helped us win 3-0.”
Rooney goal GIF via Reddit
Rooney celebration GIF via Reddit
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SkyNews
