Wayne Rooney Voices Displeasure Over Liverpool's Derby Celebrations
Former Everton and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has publicly criticised the post-match celebrations of Liverpool players following their dramatic 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton. Rooney, speaking on his podcast, took particular issue with the focus on Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson during the jubilant scenes after Virgil van Dijk's 100th-minute winning header.
Rooney's Specific Grievances with Salah and Robertson
Rooney expressed that seeing Liverpool players pushing Salah and Robertson toward the fans "really gets to me." He argued that this made the moment about individual players rather than the team achievement. While acknowledging that both players deserve significant send-offs given their impending departures from Anfield, Rooney insisted such celebrations should wait until the end of the season.
The former England captain said, "It seems to be a trend where players are leaving before the end of the season, I just don't like it. Them players deserve massive send offs but I just don't like it, just wait until the end of the season."
Context of Salah and Robertson's Departures
The celebration controversy comes as both Salah and Robertson prepare to leave Liverpool at season's end. Salah shocked supporters by revealing his departure during the international break, despite having a year remaining on his two-year contract. Robertson has confirmed his plans to move on when his contract expires this summer.
During the post-match celebrations at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Salah, Robertson, and debutant Freddie Woodman all basked in the adulation of the Liverpool supporters. However, it was the prominent roles of the Egyptian forward and Scottish defender that particularly irritated Rooney.
Rooney on Player Announcements and Speculation
When questioned whether players announcing their exits before season's end helps quieten transfer rumours, Rooney dismissed the idea. The 40-year-old argued that such announcements actually increase speculation about players' future destinations.
Rooney stated, "Not really, I suppose the speculation is going to get even more. Now, 'who's Mo Salah going to sign for? Is he going to Saudi? What team is he going to be playing for next season?' I don't think it stops any speculation."
He emphasized that football remains a team game, saying, "When you're in a team game, it's a team game and when it gets to the end of the season, especially Mo Salah deserves all the plaudits in the world for what he's done with Liverpool but let's just get on with the game and the rest of the season."
Match Performance and Player Context
Salah was instrumental in Liverpool's victory, scoring the opening goal and earning Player of the Match honours. The 33-year-old Egyptian exploited space behind the Everton defence and finished precisely following an excellent pass from Cody Gakpo.
This season has been challenging for Salah on Merseyside, as he has struggled to recapture the form that previously helped Liverpool secure the Premier League title. Meanwhile, Robertson has seen reduced playing time following Milos Kerkez's arrival from Bournemouth, with the Scotland captain attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the winter transfer window.
Rooney's comments emerged during a podcast discussion about Bernardo Silva's performance and confirmed departure from Manchester City, which prompted the former striker to air his grievances about the Liverpool celebrations. The incident highlights ongoing debates about appropriate player conduct during transitional periods at football clubs.
