Wayne Rooney has responded to Michael Owen's claims that he was a better player than the former Manchester United striker at the age of 17
Wayne Rooney speaking
Wayne Rooney discussed the comparisons to Michael Owen(Image: YouTube)
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney says he'd never draw comparisons between himself and Michael Owen after the ex-Liverpool forward's assertion that he was the better player at 17.
Rooney and Owen were frequently portrayed as having a gentle rivalry. Both made their mark on the global stage at 16 and 17, respectively, though five years apart.
But despite Owen's self-assurance, Rooney, 39, showed no appetite to enter into a statistical argument with his former United and England colleague and tactfully avoided the topic by praising Owen's personality on and off the pitch.
"Listen, me and Michael are very different players with different attributes," Rooney began on his self-titled show. "Michael Owen at 17, 18 was incredible. I used to go out on the streets and pretend to be him, even though he played for Liverpool (laughing).
"So what he's saying, I completely understand but we're two completely different footballers, different styles, different techniques. Michael Owen for a three, four year period was probably the best centre-forward in the world and it's hard to argue against anyone coming up against Michael Owen then."
Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney look on while playing for England
Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney were team-mates for England and Manchester United
He continued: "Unfortunately, he did get his injuries and he probably couldn't adapt his game maybe as well as I could in playing from the sides or going back into midfield. I think his comments are fair. Of course, he's going to back himself. I'd back myself, but I'd never judge myself against Michael Owen because he's someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside [for England and United]."
Rooney also praised Owen's character. This aspect of the former Newcastle striker's personality came through during his chat with Ferdinand, despite public opinion often suggesting Owen possesses a more reserved and cautious nature.
"Michael can come across as a little bit boring," Rooney added. "But he's one of the funniest people you'll meet. Being in his company, honestly, he's so funny and witty. A lot of people think, 'Oh he's quite boring' but he is so funny and I hope he gets that out because, everyone who played with him, we know what a good lad he is and sometimes that doesn't always come across."
A question was also posed on social media, via Match of the Day, asking who was the better player at 17 out of the two. Owen, armed with an array of stats, responded: "At 17, I scored 18 Premier League goals (winning the Golden Boot), Wazza [Rooney] scored six. At 18, I again scored 18 goals (again winning the Golden Boot and coming fourth in the Ballon d'Or), Wazza scored nine. In our opening seven seasons, Wazza didn't outscore me once (117 goals v 80).
Michael Owen, pictured with the late Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier
Michael Owen, pictured with the late Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, won the 2001 Ballon d'Or
"In which time I became the second youngest Ballon d'Or winner ever. Injuries hindered me from then on, while he sustained his level. Therefore, he'll go down as a better player than me. But, at 17, please..."
Owen netted 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool across eight years and 222 throughout his career. He can boast two Premier League Golden Boot accolades over Rooney.
Rooney is United's record goalscorer with 253, accumulating 313 in total across domestic football, yet never claimed a Golden Boot. Owen's celebrated Ballon d'Or triumph in 2001 remains a distinction he can hold over most players.
Nevertheless, whilst Owen possesses one Premier League crown to his name, Rooney boasts five. The former Everton forward also holds a Champions League medal and surpasses him in domestic cup honours. At the international level, Owen amassed 40 goals in 89 England appearances, while Rooney registered 53 in 120 games.