Arsene Wenger has told Wayne Rooney wil have to live ”like a monk” if he is to make the most of his phenomenal talent.
The 18-year-old’s stunning debut for Manchester United in midweek came as no surprise to the Arsenal manager, who has previously described Rooney as the most exciting young English player he had seen.
But he also underlined that the forward, who has already had to contend with revelations about his fondness for backstreet brothels, would have to learn how to sidestep the potential pitfalls as effortlessly as he swerves past defenders.
”Rooney could be another George Best, I have no doubt,” Wenger said.
”England is in need of a big, big star and he has what you need from that player — he comes from Liverpool, he is working-class and he has exceptional talent.
”But football is a high-level sport and you must live the life of a monk. You have a ritual — you go training, you sleep, you prepare. There is only one thing to be answered — how much do you love to play the game? If you have that love then you can easily sacrifice the rest.”
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has a good track record of keeping young stars focused on their jobs, not least by keeping tabs on their activities through an extensive network of contacts in the Manchester area.
But Wenger believes it will be down to Rooney to ensure he makes the most of his talent.
”All managers can only help those who want to be successful,” the Frenchman said.
”If he doesn’t want to live seriously and wants to drink, he can do it at home and arrange things at home. However, I feel that Rooney has a real love for the game. Would I like to work with Wayne Rooney? Who wouldn’t want to work with him. We all like to work with exceptional talent.”
Arsneal go into Saturday’s Highbury clash with Charlton looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Premiership to 48 games after a disappointing Champions League draw with Rosenborg on Wednesday that was followed by a scuffle between skipper Patrick Vieira and defender Lauren.
Charlton have a record of giving the Gunners problem and Wenger admitted his side needed to step up from the level of their midweek display.
”Charlton never give anything but their all at Highbury and they have shown in their last two matches against Birmingham and Blackburn that they regained their defensive stability,” he said.
”We are under pressure in every game now and we are ready for that.”
Dennis Bergkamp is expected to return to the Arsenal line-up at the expense of Jose Antonio Reyes, who looked distinctly jaded in midweek. – Sapa-AFP