Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has spoken about the Wayne Rooney transfer saga which rocked the Old Trafford outfit.
Rooney handed in a shock transfer request in October, claiming the club weren’t matching his ambition – something that “bemused” the club and boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Fans of the club camped outside Rooney’s house in protest, which the striker the subject to a series of menacing threats.
However, after contract negotiations Rooney pulled a dramatic u-turn and signed a new contract – thought to be worth in the region of £200,000-a-week.
But despite signing the mammoth deal, Rooney has failed to reproduce the form of the previous season, scoring just three goals, two of which came from the penalty spot.
Now 37-year-old Giggs, the club’s most decorated servant, has spoken out about the situation – speaking of his “surprise” at the “stupid” timing.
The loyal star told Inside United magazine: “It was before a Champions League game, the timing was stupid, but deep down I thought he would stay and it would be sorted out.
“The fans, and probably me to an extent and a lot of the players, what really got our backs up was as soon as City were mentioned.
“For me, as a United fan, as soon as you hear City being talked about, you think, well, that can’t happen.
“I was surprised, just like everyone else, but I didn’t feel let down. He had more than enough people in the dressing room who are closer to him talking to him, so I left it. I didn’t really get involved.”
Despite Rooney’s quiet season in front of goal, Man United are leading the Premier League with a five-point cushion over London rivals Arsenal as they look to overtake Liverpool to win their 19th league title.