Rooney: No one to blame but me for red
Reuters - Friday 04 November 2011, 09:20
England striker Wayne Rooney
blames no one but himself for what he called his "stupid" red
card that has ruled him out of three matches at next year's
European Championships.
Rooney was sent off after kicking Montenegro defender
Miodrag Dzudovic in last month's Euro 2012 qualifier in
Podgorica which led to a three-match suspension from UEFA,
effectively ruling him out of the tournament unless England
qualify for the knockout stage.
The English FA will announce on Friday if it plans to appeal
against UEFA's decision, while Rooney said he understood if
coach Fabio Capello left him out of the squad for the finals.
"It was stupid of me and I regretted it as soon as I did
it," the 26-year-old told British media.
"There was no tackle beforehand and I didn't think 'I'm
going to beat him' - it just happened.
"Obviously, it's devastating for me but it's something
that's my own fault, so I can't really complain. It's no excuse,
but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh. I'm disappointed
with it.
"All the details we have been waiting on have come through,
so we'll be making a decision as to whether we will be
appealing. Even if it's reduced by one game, it will be a bonus
for me."
He said he had no idea why he acted as he did. England, who
were winning 2-1 at the time, went on to draw 2-2 with
Montenegro to secure their place in the finals.
"I honestly don't know why. It was just one of those moments
which I live to regret now," he said. "It just happened. I can't
explain it.
"I want to be there and be part of the team but I'll
understand if I am not in the next squad because I'll be missing
the first three games and he [Capello] has to look at other
players, I understand that."
Capello watched Rooney shine in midfield for Manchester
United in their 2-0 win over Otelul Galati in the Champions
League on Wednesday but Rooney is expected to return to his
usual position in attack for Saturday's Premier League match
against Sunderland.
"It's probably a role I could enjoy in the future when I've
lost a bit of pace," he said. "I played there as a young lad, I
understand the role."