Sam Allardyce raves about Everton forward Wayne Rooney

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Sam Allardyce says Wayne Rooney’s decision to quit international football brings good news for Everton.

Former West Ham United manager, Sam Allardyce believes that Wayne Rooney has made a “fantastic” decision by retiring from international football.

Rooney returned to his boyhood club Everton this summer on a free transfer after spending 13 glorious years with Manchester United.

Allardyce believes that Rooney’s decision to quit international football is good news for Everton, as the Toffees will get some quality three to four years of service from him.

Rooney has been an epitome of consistency for both club and country, and Allardyce says the England striker has not had a proper rest since he started playing for his country in 2003.

Allardyce adds that Rooney may divide opinions among the football fans, but he has always been a model professional. The former Sunderland manager has hailed him as a “responsible captain”, “good communicator”, and a player with an impressive attitude.

Commenting on Rooney’s style, Allardyce notes that the 31-year-old had the ability “to find space in tight areas” and could make clever runs “on the blindside to outwit defenders.”

Allardyce adds that he was amazed with Rooney’s attitude, as he always wanted to play football and play in any position his manager asked of him.

“Opinions differ on Rooney, but in my short time in charge of England I found him to be a very responsible captain. He was always a good example and helped the younger lads who were in the squad. He was a good communicator,” said Allardyce to The Times.

“He had the ability to find space in tight areas no matter how many defenders were around. He’d always find that extra few inches in the final third, often making clever runs on the blindside to outwit defenders.

“His attitude was impressive, too. So many players of his stature would sulk if asked to play somewhere that they didn’t consider their best position, but Wayne didn’t. He played as a No 9, a No 10, in midfield, out on the wing, and he always got on with it. He just wanted to play because he loves football. And with fewer matches now, he can continue to do that for Everton.”