Wayne Rooney is thrilled by the prospect of visiting Australia as part of Manchester United’s Tour 2013, presented by Aon.
The Reds will play an A-League All Stars team in Sydney on Saturday 20 July as part of the club’s preparations for the 2013/14 season.
And Rooney, who has family living Down Under, can’t wait.
“In previous years we’ve travelled to various countries and seen a lot of different stuff, but I know for myself and for most of the players, it will be the first time to Australia,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it. We know it’s a big football country and I’m sure the support will be great. We’re looking forward to going and I hope we can entertain the fans.
“My mum’s brother lives out there and has done since I was born. I’ve seen him when he’s come back home a few times at Christmas so it will be nice if I can see him when we go out there.”
Given there are no major international tournaments scheduled for summer 2013, United will take a full-strength side to Australia to face a team made up of the A-League’s brightest talent.
That could include Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, who’s now plying his trade for Sydney FC. His presence in the A-League, Rooney says, is testament to the growing popularity of football in the country.