Former England captain and Manchester United icon, Wayne Rooney, is being courted by Amazon to become their star pundit for the upcoming Champions League showdown between Manchester City and Real Madrid. While nothing has been formally agreed upon yet, securing Rooney would be a significant coup for the broadcasting giant.
Amazon currently shares Champions League rights and hosts a selection of Tuesday games. The clash between City and Real Madrid is undoubtedly the standout fixture of the knockout phase. Adding Rooney to their already impressive roster of names such as Daniel Sturridge, Alan Shearer, and Gabby Logan could further enhance their coverage.
Long-term signing?
Beyond this specific match, there are discussions about making Rooney a regular member of Amazon's football coverage team. At 39 years old, he has proven himself an insightful pundit during previous stints with Sky Sports, BBC Sport and TNT Sports.
Rooney's departure from his managerial role at Plymouth has made him one of the most sought-after names in sports punditry. His status as one of English football’s all-time greats makes him an attractive prospect for any broadcaster looking to add depth to their analysis team.
Interest from other broadcasters
However, Amazon isn't alone in its pursuit of this ex-Manchester United star. Sky Sports also rates him highly; just last week he offered strong views on Gary Neville’s Overlap show. Match Of The Day is also keen on signing him up for their new-look show next season as they aim to use a wider variety of guests. TNT had previously featured him last season during Everton’s game at Manchester United - two clubs that have seen his prowess firsthand both on-field and off-field.
Rooney brings with him not only name recognition but also extensive experience at the highest level of football competition. He won the Champions League with United in 2009 and secured the Premier League title five times at Old Trafford. His outspoken nature as a player, coupled with his expert view on his former clubs, makes him an ideal candidate for any sports broadcasting role.
Wherever Rooney lands next, it's clear that he will continue to make significant contributions to football - this time from behind the microphone rather than on the pitch.
