Wayne Rooney: A question of commitment
England’s World Cup build up has been thrown into disarray after striker Wayne Rooney pledged to give a meagre 110 per cent commitment to winning the coveted trophy.
The Manchester United forward dropped the bombshell at a press conference at England’s Soho Square headquarters, called to inspire the nation ahead of the World Cup in South Africa this summer.
Instead, England’s talisman delivered a body blow to Fabio Capello’s plans with a measily commitment that had England supporters fuming.
To stunned silence from assembled journalists, Rooney said: “Like all the lads I’ll be giving 110 per cent to winning the World Cup.”
After being asked to repeat himself by the bewildered press corps he reiterated his stance: “I’ll be giving 110 per cent.”
The striker refused to elaborate on his weedy promise, and was slow hand-clapped out of England HQ. As he was ushered into a waiting car he was jostled by some fans still reeling at the striker’s ill-timed comments.
While scientists assert that it is mathematically impossible to give more than 100 per cent to anything, it is accepted in football that the minimum commitment for any Premier League player is 120 per cent.
At international level that is expected to rise to at least 150 per cent with some nations, like Brazil and Germany, never dipping below 200 per cent in the run-up to a big tournament.
Within minutes of the press conference ending, former England internationals expressed their dismay with some turning on the former Everton hitman.
Former England captain Gary Lineker branded the commitment “derisory” while fellow England squad members were quick to distance themselves from the striker’s words.
Ex-England skipper John Terry said: “Wayne can give what he wants, but I’ll be giving 200 per cent every game. Maybe even 210, if the wind is in the right direction.”
The commitment argument is a huge issue in the modern game, but a far cry from football’s 50s heyday when 40 and 50 per cent commitment pledges were commonplace.
Sir Stanley Matthews was feted by Blackpool fans when on signing in 1947 he pledged to give 62 per cent to the club – a then record footballing commitment.
Such reasonable efforts, however, are not acceptable in the high pressure cauldron of today’s football circus.
David Beckham’s on and off field fan problems at LA Galaxy are being blamed on a perception that he is only giving 96 per cent commitment to the team.
His desire to devote the remaining 4 per cent of his life to charity work and his family just doesn’t wash with the fans, many of whom have vowed to punch his lights out and kick him in the back.
