Wayne Rooney has fired back at Birmingham City minority owner and former NFL star Tom Brady after the American previously questioned his ‘work ethic’.
Rooney, 39, managed just 15 matches for the Blues in what was a disastrous spell 83-day spell for the former Manchester United star at St. Andrew’s two seasons ago.
Under his tutelage, the Blues took a mere 10 points from a possible 45, losing nine games and winning just two before he was sacked in January 2024.
In a documentary entitled Built In Birmingham: Brady And The Blues, which was released on August 1, the ex-New England Patriots quarterback told his business manager Ben Rawitz: ‘I’m a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic.’
Now, Rooney has retorted with comments of his own, saying on his new podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show: ‘I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway.
‘And I don’t think he really understood football that well. But what he does understand is, he’s a hard worker, we know that.’
Rooney, 39, managed just 15 matches for the Blues in what was a disastrous spell 83-day spell for the former Manchester United star at St. Andrew’s two seasons ago
He has now fired back at Birmingham City minority owner and former NFL star Tom Brady after the American previously questioned his ‘work ethic’
Brady was seen observing Rooney’s team meeting and training and later remarking that he was concerned about the former England hero’s dedication
‘Football is not NFL – NFL works for three months a year.
‘Players do need rest as well, so I think he’s very unfair, the way he’s come out and portrayed that.’
Although he responded in fiery fashion to Brady’s comments, Rooney made it clear that he does not hold a grudge over them.
He added: ‘Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively.
‘He’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest athletes of all time and Birmingham do look like they’re getting it right now, which is good.
‘And I think what they have done is got the players out that they needed to get out.’
Rooney took over at Birmingham in October 2023 after John Eustace was dismissed despite leading the club to sixth place in the Championship at the time.
However, he was adamant that the quality of the players at the club meant results were destined to decline under his stewardship
In his 15 matches in charge, the Blues took 10 points from a possible 45, losing nine games
He continued: ‘When I went into Birmingham, they were in a mess really.
‘Hence the fact that the players weren’t really the players who could take the club forward.
‘You had Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett after me, who also struggled as well.’