Asia PR News

BADEN-BADEN, 29 June /KYODO/ –

Wayne Rooney insists he will not be looking for revenge when England face
Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.

Rooney broke his foot during England’s defeat to the Portuguese at the same
stage of the competition at the 2004 European Championship in Lisbon

Rooney limped off with England leading 1-0 in that game before Seven-Goran
Eriksson’s men were knocked out on penalties but the 20-year-old Manchester
United star said he has erased that memory from his mind.

"People have got to forget that and look forward," Rooney said. "I
certainly won’t be going into the game looking for revenge."

"We were unlucky and it was disappointing. Hopefully we can come out on top
this time," he said.

Metatarsal victory Rooney played his first 90 minutes since April in the
1-0 win over Ecuador in the second round and is expected to play as a lone
striker again against the Portuguese in Gelsenkirchen.

"It was hard but as long as the midfield players keep supporting me there’s
no problem. I don’t mind. I’ll play wherever the manager wants — up front on
my own, or up from in a two, that’s no problem."

"I’m getting better and fitter with every game and every training session.
Hopefully I’ll get better in the games," said Rooney.

"I feel like I can last two hours. That’s down to the manager but I feel
good in myself. I was quite pleased with my performance in the last game and I
was delighted with the result."

He added, "If it’s the same performance and the same result again I’d
snatch your hand off for it."

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is in a race to get fit for the match but
Rooney says he would not mind if his Manchester United teammate misses out.

"I want him to be fit but it would be nice if he could just miss our game.
He’s a great player and if he plays it will be a tough job for us."

"I’ve played with him week-in, week-out for the last two years and he’s a
handful for any team. Hopefully, we can keep him quiet on the day. Ashley Cole
will have to do a good job on him like he has in the past."