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Ivory CoastRooney Warns Man United of Disappointment if JJ Gabriel Leaves
Wayne Rooney says it would be disappointing for Manchester United to lose 15 year old talent JJ Gabriel, who has asked to leave.
A Special Talent on the Move
Wayne Rooney has expressed his disappointment over the prospect of teenage star JJ Gabriel leaving Manchester United. The 15 year old attacker has asked to leave the club, sparking interest from some of the biggest teams in Europe.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently monitoring the teenager's situation. Gabriel, who turns 16 next month, recently made headlines by scoring a hat trick against Sabah during his UEFA Youth League debut.
Rooney has watched the youngster develop closely over the years. Gabriel has played in the same youth team as Rooney's son, Kai, giving the former England striker a front row seat to his development.
United Tried Everything
According to Rooney, Manchester United did everything they could to convince the young star to stay. He noted that the club treated Gabriel differently compared to other academy players because of his unique abilities.
"In fairness to Manchester United they have done everything, absolutely everything, to keep him at the club," Rooney said.
Rooney compared the situation to his own early days. He explained that he received similar special treatment when he was rising through the ranks at Everton. Rooney thinks clubs must take these extra steps to hold onto their best young players, making the current situation highly disappointing.
Memories of Everton
Rooney knows exactly what it is like to be a teenage sensation. He became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he scored for Everton in 2002 at 16 years and 360 days old.
That record has since been broken by Arsenal's Max Dowman. Dowman scored against Everton in March at the age of 16 years and 73 days.
Having experienced that level of pressure and attention at a young age, Rooney recognizes the rare qualities that Gabriel possesses.
First Team Potential
Rooney praised Gabriel's balance, ability, and intelligence on the pitch. He highlighted how the teenager has easily stepped up to older age groups and continued to score goals.
Rooney believes that Gabriel was on track to make his senior debut for Manchester United this year. He feels it is a shame that the player might leave before getting that chance.
"At some point this season he would have made his debut for the first team, I would imagine, so that is where it is disappointing," Rooney said. While United still believe they might be able to resolve the situation, the interest from top Spanish clubs makes his future uncertain.
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