Transfer Centre

Xavi: 'Wayne Rooney must continue in Europe'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 October 2016

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is still 'too good' to trade in European football for a new adventure, according to former Barcelona midfielder Xavi.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has claimed that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is still 'too good' to swap European football for an adventure in either China or America.

Rooney has dropped out of the Man United XI in recent weeks and the 31-year-old's England spot is also currently in doubt due to a lack of first-team football at club level.

It has been claimed that a number of clubs from the MLS and China want to tempt Rooney with a big-money contract offer, but Xavi, who currently represents Qatari side Al Sadd, wants the Englishman to continue in European football.

Xavi told Goal.com: "With all respect to the MLS, China, and other leagues, Wayne Rooney is not ready for that yet. In two or three seasons maybe, but at his age it is not the time.

"A player of his ability at his age needs to be playing in one of Europe's top leagues. I still think he has a lot to offer Manchester United but if either him or the club decide not to continue that relationship, I know he would offer something to all the top clubs in Europe."

Rooney has only scored once in 12 appearances for Man United this season, and that sole effort came on the opening weekend of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign.