Wayne Rooney gives ITV bosses green light for I’m A Celeb | Football | Sport

Rooney plans to attend the National Television Awards with Coleen on Wednesday, as I’m A Celeb is up for best reality competition. This led to questions about whether Rooney would be interested in following in Coleen’s footsteps.

“Would I? I think I would, at the right time,” he responded on The Wayne Rooney Show, when asked about possibly appearing on I’m A Celeb. “I’d struggle with some of the trials, though.”

“You know the worst one, you know where they walk into a room…and there’s like a big ostrich looking at you. I didn’t [know he was scared of ostriches] but I’m just picturing them being there.”

Upon hearing Rooney’s confession, his co-host Kae Kurd joked: “I reckon the producers of I’m a Celeb are watching this and just rubbing their hands at this opportunity.”

However, Rooney hinted that his punditry duties might prevent him from venturing into the jungle. “I can’t, can I? Because I wouldn’t be able to do the podcast in there, so I can’t do it,” he stated.

A host of footballers have graced the show throughout its 24 series. Lionesses legend Jill Scott was crowned champion in 2022, while Ian Wright and Harry Redknapp are among the numerous football luminaries who have participated in the show over the years.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Aside from the possibility of joining I’m A Celeb, Rooney has weighed in on a recent debate involving himself and Michael Owen. In response to a social media post asking who the better player was at 17 years old, Owen used various statistics to stake his claim.

The ex-England striker subsequently doubled down when speaking to former United defender Rio Ferdinand. However, Rooney had no issue with Owen standing by his early goalscoring record, but he refused to get drawn into a heated debate with his former England and United team-mate due to his admiration for the forward.

“I think his comments are fair,” Rooney said on his podcast. “Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself.

“But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside [for England and Manchester United].”