Former DC United player and coach Wayne Rooney was scathing in his response to FIFA’s controversial World Cup half time show.
Rooney, of course, is far more famous for his playing career in England.
Yet, the American audience will no doubt be at least somewhat familiar with the 40-year-old.
After seeing Spain win the World Cup, what's your biggest takeaway from this year's tournament? 🤔
Rooney moved to D.C United in Washington as a player in 2018 before returning as coach in 2022. On Sunday, he formed part of the BBC’s punditry team to provide expert analysis and insight during the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Asked for his thoughts on the half time show, Rooney did not shy away from saying what he really thought.
Rooney did not like FIFA’s half time show
Asked by the BBC for his highlight from the show, Rooney said: “I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished.”
Before adding: “I like a lot of them artists but I thought it was c***.”
Finally, Rooney said: “It just didn’t get me going and I wanted the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.”
Half time shows are not generally part of soccer games, save for a few exceptions.
The break between the first half and the second is only supposed to last for 15 minutes. From whistle to whistle during the 23rd World Cup final, the interval dragged on for over 27 minutes, so it went against the very fabric of the sport.
Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber were among those to perform but even a star-studded cast was not enough to impress Rooney. Shakira and Burna Boy also performed the official anthem of the tournament, a song called ‘Dai Dai’.
The show was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who later appeared alongside the PS22 Chorus and The Muppets to close out proceedings.
It was staged to help support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is an initiative aiming to raise $100million in order to expand access to education and football for children all over the world.
Spain eventually overcame defending champions Argentina to win the second World Cup in their history following a goal from Ferran Torres in extra-time.
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