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Jürgen Klopp says Wayne Rooney shouldn’t be criticized for partying because old legends ‘drank like devils and smoked like crazy’

Rooney also didn’t have training the next day and was given the night off.

Barrington Coombs/Getty Images

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Wayne Rooney is catching some criticism after being photographed at a party while on England duty, and the FA is considering policy changes because of it. Even though Rooney and other players were reportedly out on a night before a day off, when they didn’t have training scheduled, players look likely to be banned from going out at all while on England duty.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp thinks this controversy is ridiculous.

This generation is the most professional generation of footballers we have ever had -- not only in England,” Klopp said in Rooney’s defense. “All the legends you admire, they drank like devils and smoked like crazy and were still good players. Nobody does that any more. I’ve no idea where Wayne was but I’m pretty sure it was not that serious.”

And yet, every time Rooney is pictured having fun at night, it’s a scandal.

Goal of the day

Ronaldo Classic scoring 14 seconds into the Madrid derby in 2003. (Real Madrid on Facebook)

In the news

Hector Bellerin will miss four weeks. (@Arsenal)

Hoffenheim admits they first became aware of Roberto Firmino through Football Manager. (Daily Mail)

Toby Alderweireld is still out for Spurs this week. (Guardian)

DC United has signed Luciano Acosta permanently from Boca Juniors. (MLS)

Sporting KC has re-signed Benny Feilhaber on a two-year deal. (SI)

Real Madrid thinks Spain mishandled Alvaro Morata’s injury. (AS)

You should be reading

Aaron Gordon on “the shot heard round the world” being overblown and not changing American soccer at all. (Vice)

Jamie Jackson on Marcus Rashford’s potential to be a great center forward for Manchester United. (Guardian)

Gabriele Marcotti on Lucas Pratto becoming Argentina’s surprise hero for a day. (ESPN FC)

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