Manchester United news: Wayne Rooney claims he can still play in the Premier League

What's the story?

Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has said that when it comes to quality, he has still got what it takes to play in the Premier League, in an interview with the CNN.

The 33-year-old striker had permanently etched his name into the history books of the Red Devils in a 13-year spell with the club, which was stacked with superb strikes and multiple silverware including the league title and the UEFA Champions League.

In case you didn't know...

Rooney, who made his international debut for England as a 17-year-old in 2003, went on to become the second most-capped player in the Three Lions' history.

The former Manchester United and Everton forward scored a total of 53 goals for his country before retiring from international football in November last year.

He is one of the most decorated English players of his generation, having won most of his silverware at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. But he failed to win trophies on the international front, despite being a part of England's Golden Generation.

The heart of the matter...

Rooney, who now plays for MLS club D.C. United, was talking to CNN as his club prepare to compete in the 24th season of the biggest football competition in the United States.

Having won every major honor in English football, the ex-England international said that the quality of football in the MLS was quite a surprise for him. He told CNN (Via Goal)

"I knew that it's a very competitive league, I was probably a bit surprised, if I'm being honest, to the amount of quality which is in the league ..."

He said that the league and the players are of the highest standard in the US. He added:

"So, yeah, I think the league is at a very high standard."

He also believes that even as a 33-year old, he could still play for a top Premier League club and is confident in his quality. He stated:

"If I'm being honest, I know quality wise, I can still play in the Premier League, I know that. I've always been a confident person, and so I have high expectations of myself... I never doubted myself at all."

What's next?

Rooney's former club Manchester United have got back on track since the appointment of his former teammate Ole Gunnar Solksjaer as the caretaker manager. The Red Devils are back in contention for a top 4 finish, currently being just one point adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.