Last updated on .From the section FootballWayne Rooney played for Manchester United for 13 years between 2004 and 2017Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has said "protecting the English football pyramid is the most important thing" after six Premier League clubs agreed to join a European Super League (ESL). Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are among 12 sides to have signed up to the proposals for a new midweek competition. Rooney, who is United's all-time top scorer, said he wanted the English pyramid to be "protected and rewarded" and called the timing of the announcement "strange". Supporters' groups from the six English clubs involved in the plans have all spoken out against the idea of the ESL. "I can speak from being at Manchester United for such a long time.

Source: BBC April 19, 2021 15:45 UTC