Wayne Rooney has revealed why he hasn't appeared on Match of the Day as planned this weekend.
The 38-year-old was in line to make his debut on the iconic BBC show on Saturday but was forced to pull out, with Martin Keown filling in for him.
And the former Manchester United striker says he had to withdraw from the show after suffering an injury while on holiday.
Rooney wrote on X: 'Gutted not to be making my debut on the iconic @BBCMOTDshow tonight, it’s something I have wanted to do since I was little.
'Unfortunately I have sustained a painful back injury during a holiday with my family but I look forward to being part of the team in the near future.
Wayne Rooney was in line to make his debut on the iconic Match of The Day but had to pull out
Ths show went ahead as usual with Rooney getting replaced by MOTD 2 regular Martin Keown
Gutted not to be making my debut on the iconic @BBCMOTD show tonight, it’s something I have wanted to do since I was little. Unfortunately I have sustained a painful back injury during a holiday with my family but I look forward to being part of the team in the near future. Good…
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 13, 2024
They’ll be other opportunities. Get fit soon. 👍🏻 https://t.co/L1z6H683Vd
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 13, 2024
'Good luck to Gary Lineker and the guys for tonights show and see you soon.'
Host of the show Lineker responded by saying: They’ll be other opportunities. Get fit soon.'
Since retiring in 2021, Rooney has managed Derby, MLS side DC United and had an ill-fated stint at Championship club Birmingham City.
He was sacked by the Blues in January after less than three months in charge, and is currently taking a break from the game to be with his family.
Rooney is keen to get back on the touchline soon, though, and has been linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia to follow in the footsteps of his ex-international team-mate Steven Gerrard.
The England appeared as a pundit for TNT Sports last month for their coverage of Manchester United's win over Everton.
He was also a pundit in the studio as BBC covered Manchester United's victory against Nottingham in the FA Cup in February.
