The former Manchester United striker has made a statement regarding the UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The former English star says that City will not only defeat Madrid, but they will destroy them.
“Manchester City will not beat Real Madrid, they will destroy them,” Rooney was quoted as saying by The Times.
He also talked about how Real Madrid can never be written off because of their experience and history but he still believes that City will go past them.
“You can never write off a collective with Madrid’s experience and history— but I wouldn’t put money on them. I believe this is City’s year,” he added.
Talking about the in-form Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Rooney believes that Los Blancos have no one capable of stopping the Norwegian striker.
“How do Madrid stop Haaland? Well, in Antonio Rüdiger they have a great competitor who, as a defender, likes one-on-one battles. Even so, I don’t think the Germany defender can handle Haaland,” said MLS club D.C. United’s head coach.
Rooney also believes that City would become greater than Manchester United’s 2008 squad, who won the league and the Champions League that season.
“If Man. City win the UCL and the title, I think you put them up there with the 1999 United side. Our 2008 team was great, but City do beyond what we did. I have them beating Madrid,” said the 37-year-old English legend.
It must be noted that Real Madrid will play the English champions Manchester City in a UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, May 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Los Blancos will play their 11th UEFA Champions League semi-final in the last 13 years.
The two clubs met last season during the UEFA Champions League semi-final where Real Madrid won the tie after a late comeback, something that they are known for. Rodrygo scored two goals within two minutes to take the game into extra-time, where Benzema scored the winner during the fifth minute.