Wayne Rooney has issued an apology after “inappropriate” pictures of the England captain on a night out were published by a national newspaper.
The Manchester United skipper was pictured in Wednesday’s edition of The Sun in an inebriated state in the early hours of Sunday morning, wearing a Three Lions polo shirt.
Rooney was ruled out of England’s 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday night with a knee injury, though the published images have promoted questions as to exactly why he left the squad from fans on Twitter.
Various reports since have also claimed that United boss Jose Mourinho is “furious” that members of the England backroom staff were with Rooney at the time.
Rooney’s spokesperson said: “Naturally Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published today.
“Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.
“Earlier today Wayne spoke privately to both Gareth Southgate and Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise.
“He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures.”
Rooney has scored more goals than any other player in England history and is six caps away from equalling Peter Shilton’s all-time appearance record.
The Liverpool-born striker has come under scrutiny for his form this season, however, with Jose Mourinho dropping him out of the United starting XI and England interim boss Gareth Southgate facing calls to do the same.
Rooney played the full 90 minutes of the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Friday and assisted England’s third goal in a 3-0 win.
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