September 9 – Wayne Rooney entered the record books of world football by becoming England’s all-time leading goalscorer on Tuesday when he hit his 50th goal for his country in the 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Switzerland at Wembley.
Rooney’s 84th-minute penalty beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s mark set in 1970 and came 12 years after his first international goal, against Macedonia.
“It’s a night I will never forget,” said the 29-year-old Manchester United striker. “I was very nervous stepping up to take the penalty. I knew it was such a big moment for me and my career. The players said to me afterwards it was like being at a concert because there were so many flashes from phones in the crowd.
“It’s a huge honour because Sir Bobby Charlton is an England and Manchester United legend. I know Sir Bobby will be extremely proud that a Manchester United captain has broken the record.”
“Nights like this you don’t forget,” he added. “When you create a bit of history it’s a great feeling. It was really nice of the players and the manager to present me with a shirt afterwards.”
“To be the country’s all-time leading goalscorer before the age of 30 is not something I could ever have dreamed of and I’m extremely proud tonight. I was a bit emotional out there and I’m happy it’s done. Hopefully I can kick on from here and concentrate on the team and our success in the future.”
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