Wayne Rooney’s latest comment on Arsenal’s fanbase will raise a wry smile in north London.
Sitting down with Brazilian legend Romario on Romario TV, the former Manchester United striker was asked who were the most annoying fans he ever played against?
He didn’t take long. “Arsenal,” he said.
Born and raised an Everton fan, and having spent 13 years at United, singling out Arsenal fans ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City fans is quite the verdict.
Which current Arsenal and Man Utd players could you see having a rivalry next?
A spectacle like no other 💥🔥
But given the iconic Premier League rivalry between United and Arsenal during the peak years of both clubs, perhaps it should not come as a surprise.
Wayne Rooney names Arsenal fans ‘most annoying’
For all the needle of that rivalry, Wayne Rooney has actually been one of the more generous voices on Arsenal this season — more so than several of his former United teammates.
He has been among the more prominent pundits backing Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, even after the defeat to Manchester City last month.
He’s also made no secret of his admiration for what Mikel Arteta has built at the Emirates, and has previously urged the Arsenal manager to ignore the criticism regarding their reliance on set-pieces.
It is worth remembering, of course, that Rooney was exactly the kind of player Arsenal fans spent years dreading.
He scored 15 goals against the Gunners during his playing career — more than against any other side. Only Harry Kane matches that number.
As an aside, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka reached 50 Premier League goals and 50 assists on Monday night, a milestone only Rooney himself has achieved at a younger age.
As for the fanbase comment, Arsenal supporters will take it as a backhanded compliment.
Annoying your rivals is, broadly speaking, a sign you are doing something right.
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