Wayne Rooney talks to BBC Sport on a wide range of subjects,
from his favourite footballers to meeting the rich and
famous.
He also gives advice on how to make it as a professional footballer
and recalls receiving an unexpected birthday present from Noel
Gallagher.
Q. Is it hard to be in the public eye all the time when people are
taking photographs of you whenever you go out?
A. It's not hard, it's just a hassle to be honest. You're out with
your family or your friends having some food, or you're going to
your friend's house, and you walk out and there's a photographer
there.
It's just stupid really but that's what the press are like in this
country, so you've got to get used to it.
Q. Do you ever miss the days when you could just go out in the
street and have a kickabout with your mates?
A. I used to do it every day and I love doing it. It was a big part
of my life when I was growing up. I still do it now and again when
I get the chance to go on the streets and have a kickaround.
Obviously I'd like to do it more but it's a bit difficult! I think
it's brilliant when you're growing up to do that.
Q. What advice would you give to a young footballer about the best
way to become a professional?
A. Dedication. Practice every day and keep trying to learn. To make
the step from a youth team player, to the reserve team and then the
first team you have to sacrifice a few things in your life and if
you can do that it will give you the best possible chance to
achieve that.
Football's about the young players, bringing youth team players
through to the first team and hopefully getting the best out of
them so they can go on to play for their country.
At the minute there's not as many (young English players) as we
would like to see coming through but there's definitely players out
there who are capable of doing something, it's just finding them
and helping them along the way to become better.
Q. Do you think it's strange that famous people want to meet
you?
A. Yeah of course. You go to some event where there is famous
people and obviously it's good to meet them because you see them on
the TV all the time, or you've been listening to their music.
When famous people come up to you it's a bit weird, but it's an
honour, really, when they recognise you and want to chat to you for
a bit.
Q. Do you ever get starstruck?
A. Not really. The one person I wanted to meet was Mike Tyson and
I've met him a few times now. That was unbelievable to meet him -
it was a dream really. He was a nice guy too.
Q. When you play football games on your computer do you ever play
as anyone else apart from England or Manchester United?
A. Not really. I always go for United, or if I'm playing an
international I go with England.
Q. It must be strange seeing yourself on the screen?
A. Yes it is! When I used to play when I was younger I always used
to edit it in so it was me and whoever up front, but now when my
name's already on the screen it's a bit weird!
Q. Who's the best player in the world?
A. Cristiano Ronaldo's been brilliant and he's getting better each
year and there's Lionel Messi as well. Those two.
Q. Is it true Noel Gallagher gave you a guitar for your birthday
sprayed in Man City colours with the lyrics to Blue Moon written on
it?
A. Yes. But at the end of the day it's unique.
Q. Some reports suggested you've given it away - are you planning
to keep it?
A. Of course I'm going to keep it! It's a birthday present and I
keep all my birthday presents.