Opinion: A well deserved curtain call for Wayne Rooney at Wembley

It was 19 October 2002 when Everton and Arsenal clashed at Goodison Park. The Gunners were on a roll, decimating each and every opponent on their path, in a 30 game unbeaten run.

With the score stuck at 1-1, the ball fell to a young lad who at that time was just 16 years old, but didn’t fear the dynamic powerhouses present in the Arsenal squad. As the ball fell to the feet of the young Evertonian, he took a shot - and oh my, what a shot that was!

Wayne Rooney scored past David Seaman, ending Arsenal’s unbeaten run, and the football world acknowledged what a genuinely talented footballer he was. After strings of impressive performances for the Merseyside outfit, Sir Alex came calling, Wayne joined Manchester United, and rest as they say is history.

From his memorable debut against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored a sensational hat-trick, to breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing goal-scoring record (that too with a complete stunner of a free-kick against Stoke City), Wayne Rooney's place in the history books is guaranteed.

Memorable Man Utd debut against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League

The Evertonian has broken records for fun, and is a verified legend of the game. Wazza has also captained England and stands 2nd on their most capped players' list, with a gigantic 119 appearances.

Years later, Wayne stands as the greatest goalscorer in the history of Manchester United and England, but the former English skipper is often labelled an under-performer for his nation due to England’s poor record at major tournaments.

A famous topic which might never come to conclusion - did Wayne Rooney fulfill his potential? Did the big man really do justice to his world-class abilities? Did the man who lit up the stage on his major debut in Euro 2004 really do good at major football tournaments?

These questions might have different opinions, but there is no denying the fact that Wayne remains one of the greatest players to have ever played for England and Manchester United.

It is a dream come true, and a sort of special moment for English supporters to witness Wayne put on the England shirt for one last time, and Wembley will be the place for Wayne’s final performance in an England shirt!

A fitting farewell for an extraordinary player.