Jurgen Klopp defends Wayne Rooney: 'The legends drank like devils and were still good'

ByEurosport

Updated 17/11/2016 at 13:19 GMT

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United and England captain's controversial big night out at the weekend forced him to apologise.

The Sun newspaper got hold of a picture of Rooney looking drunk after gatecrashing a wedding party on Saturday evening while England were preparing for their friendly with Spain on Tuesday.

Rooney had been ruled out of that match due to a knee problem sustained in training on Friday, but the image of Rooney wearing official England garb after a few drinks has prompted an unhappy Football Association to make changes during international breaks.

The FA will apparently ban players from leaving the team hotel overnight and respecting a curfew whenever they leave national squad's base.

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Klopp feels sympathy for Rooney, who released a statement via his management company saying sorry for causing any embarrassment.

“He’s apologised for having a glass of whatever? I really feel for the players," said Klopp. "There’s a human being behind the kid.

Wine Rooney The Sun

Image credit: From Official Website

“This generation is the most professional generation of footballers we have ever had. The legends drank like devils and were still good players.

“I’m pretty sure what Wayne did wasn’t so serious.

“That’s the life we live, under a (magnifying) glass and in one or two weeks no one will remember this.”

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