Rooney not going to Spain, yet

By Jake Harrison

Wayne Rooney misses Champions League trip through injury.

Wayne Rooney will not be travelling to Valencia with the Manchester United squad tomorrow morning – because of an ankle injury.The England forward has endured a torrid time, on-and-off the field, this season, scoring just one goal for his club. That penalty against West Ham has been a solitary bright moment for Rooney in the last few weeks, who has seen his private life spread all over the front pages.

He suffered another frustrating game on Sunday in United’s 2-2 draw with Bolton, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson dragging the forward off after sixty-one minutes. Sir Alex told Manutd.com on Monday afternoon that Rooney was not fit enough to face Valencia, in what is sure to be the Red Devil’s toughest test in this season’s Champions League group stage. Valencia are top of La Liga after a strong performance against Sporting Gijon at the weekend, even though they left Miguel, David Albelda and Joaquin out of the side, who won 2-0.

Rooney recently criticised the media for prying into his and his wife’s, Colleen, private life and it is believed that Rooney is becoming increasingly agitated with the press in England. This has fuelled speculation about Rooney’s future with the club. It is thought that the 24-year-old could be lured away from the club, with Real Madrid looking to offer the England star a way out of Manchester. This would mean that he would link up with former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, although recent rumours suggest that Ronaldo himself may not be happy. Barcelona and Inter Milan are also reportedly interested.

Rooney has said for a long time that he loves his club and his country but, if the media keep on harrowing him and the fans keep reacting poorly to him, the English Premier League could soon be saying goodbye to Wazza.

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