CHARLTON TIPS ROONEY TO BE A TRUE GREAT

While arguing that he expects Ronaldinho to be the star of this summer's World Cup, Sir Bobby Charlton believes Wayne Rooney will become a better player at the peak of his career than the Brazilian is now.

"Every World Cup produces a great star," Charlton said at the launch of nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Barcelona. "In my time I have seen Pele, Cruyff, Maradona and Ronaldo and this summer it could be Ronaldinho, though I have a sneaking feeling that Wayne Rooney will give him a real battle for it.
"It obviously depends on how well England do in the tournament but Wayne is a player who thrives on pressure. The bigger the game, the better Wayne plays. Wayne and Ronaldinho both have amazing skill and control but the Brazilian has a bit more experience at the moment. But don't forget that Wayne is 20 while Ronaldinho is 26. I would be prepared to bet that Wayne Rooney at 26 will be an even more effective player than Ronaldinho."