Manchester United's problems do not seem to end soon as club captain Wayne Rooney finds himself in a controversy. While on national duty with the Three Lions, photographs emerged of England and United captain looking dazed and having wine stained lips in a wedding party, posing with guests. However, amidst all this, a surprising name has emerged in support of Rooney as rival Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended the 31-year-old’s actions.
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English FA has now banned the players from nights out on national duty after Rooney's drinking session has come to the fore. Rooney though issued an apology this morning about this unnecessary episode but now Jurgen Klopp has come forward in his defence as he feels that the modern group of footballers are being harshly treated.
The German was speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds’ visit to Southampton on Saturday where he was asked about his take on Rooney's latest off-field issue.
Jurgen Klopp said, "Somebody saw Wayne Rooney doing what? I feel really for the players. I know we're all on the sunny side of life, we earn a lot of money and do the job we love, but at the end maybe it comes as a surprise that we are also human beings, too.
“Sometimes we're invited to weddings, birthdays or whatever and we can play the professional role still and say 'no we don't drink'. Or, if you smoke please stand 20 yards away because I don't want to be a passive smoker. That is not how life works. These boys, this generation is the most professional generation of footballers not only in England, but one England has ever had."
Jurgen Klopp also gave an example of yesteryear footballing legends as he continued, "All the guys, all the legends we love and admire, they drank like devils and smoked like crazy but they were still good players. No one does it any more. I don't know anyone now."
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A certain English publication revealed that the Three Lions skipper gatecrashed the wedding where he was photographed and it is being said that he was intoxicated hours before he was expected to report for training.
The FA is expected to take some sort of action on Wayne Rooney for this episode which could have been easily avoided by the 31 year old. It will be interesting to hear Jose Mourinho's take on this issue but a rival manager taking the side of their rival side's captain is a nice move on the German's part.
