Wayne Rooney retires from international duty an England legend, but it’s not just on the pitch that the striker was watched by thousands in his heyday.
Yes, 53 England goals is impressive, but it’s not quite enough to erase Rooney’s hilarious earlier Twitter career from the world’s collective memory.
Like many footballers, the former Manchester United striker joined Twitter to connect with his fans and friends – friends such as centre-back and former teammate Rio Ferdinand.
Hi rio do u want picking up in the morning pal
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 23, 2011
Rooney there, drastically reducing the likelihood of Rio ever getting his message.
The striker was a very honest tweeter years ago. “Oooossssshhhhh”.
Me and Joe hart having a few beers. Oooossssshhhhh
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 17, 2011
But he could be accused of being a little aggressive now and then.
@piersmorgan shut up u egg and get out of cowells hole. Won't tell u again.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 23, 2011
Then there’s this baffling sequence of thoughts, which reads like a particularly amusing Twitter bio.
Utd til I die. Everton til I die. Believe. Come together. The beatles. Leg.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 14, 2011
Important horse news was also the preserve of Rooney circa 2012.
Just to confirm to everyone i have now named my horse switcharooney.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) February 15, 2012
Meanwhile, the banter was brutal.
Me and @rioferdy5 have just destroyed everyone at FIFA. 13 games won 12 drew 1. @luisnani nearly in tears twins sent to bed early
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 15, 2011
However, these days it looks like either Rooney got his account in order, or someone else helped him to. Whether the former or the latter, the tweets have lost their edge a little.
Thanks for leaving your golf shoes here @GNev2 they have come in handy today pic.twitter.com/PZRVxdb84X
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) October 5, 2016
Bit of banter there. He’s got your shoes, Gary.
Yep, Manchester United and England’s leading goalscorer is something of a different man on social media these days, with lovely photos such as this on his page.
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 22, 2016
How about this effort – beige football tweet of the year, 2016?
Another good day of training in France. #ENG #TogetherForEngland pic.twitter.com/xKpdAAHICW
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 8, 2016
Rooney still engages in a little banter, but it’s not of the standard of his Rio Ferdinand tweet is it?
Just played EA Sports Rory McIlroy PGA Tour. Brilliant. I think I would beat you though @McIlroyRory, let's sort a game soon
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 15, 2015
However, shortly after having scored his 200th Premier League goal, Rooney showed that his funny bone hasn’t completely disappeared with this, one of his most successful tweets ever.
Always nice to see a few familiar faces 😂👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/pr15fYfG7q
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 21, 2017
Still – not one of his originals, is it?
Mr bean. Funny
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 27, 2012
Enjoy your England retirement, Wayne – we’ll always have your Twitter account.