Wayne Rooney says the hardest part of football is accepting decline, reflecting on his Man United exit and comparing modern stars like Salah

Former Manchester United Football Club forward Wayne Rooney on Friday, May 1, 2026, reflected on the emotional and professional challenges footballers face when their performance begins to decline, drawing from his own career experience at the highest level.

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Wayne Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United after joining from Everton Football Club in 2004 for £27 million, enjoyed a highly decorated career at Old Trafford.

He made 559 appearances, scored 253 goals, and won multiple trophies, including five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the FA Cup.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Wayne Rooney said the most difficult moment for any player is accepting when they are no longer performing at their peak level.

He recalled his own experience during the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimović at Manchester United, which limited his playing time and eventually influenced his decision to leave the club in 2017 at the age of 31.

Rooney said he chose to accept the situation and move on to Everton Football Club, rather than remain on the bench at Old Trafford.

He also referenced modern players, including Liverpool Football Club forward Mohamed Salah, noting that age naturally affects performance levels over time.

Rooney pointed to what he described as a noticeable decline in output this season, as Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah experience reduced influence compared to previous campaigns.

The former England captain said ageing affects all players, adding that physical decline eventually becomes unavoidable at elite level.

Rooney further explained that when senior players lose form, it can impact leadership dynamics within a squad, making it harder for younger players to step up.

He suggested that prolonged stays at top clubs after decline can sometimes affect team balance, though he stopped short of advising any current player to leave.

Rooney also reflected on former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, praising his personality and leadership style, which he said had a strong influence on players and fans alike.

He contrasted Klopp’s presence with current Liverpool manager Arne Slot, suggesting that managerial “aura” can significantly affect team culture and perception.

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Rooney’s comments offer a candid reflection on the realities of elite football and the emotional difficulty of stepping away from peak performance.