Mourinho: I got 'emotional' when Rooney left

'Rooney re-signed for Everton this month after 13 years at Old Trafford.' Photo: PA

James Ducker
© Telegraph Media Group Limited

Jose Mourinho has claimed Wayne Rooney's departure from Manchester United left him overcome with emotion and that the club's former captain will not be easily replaced.

Rooney re-signed for Everton this month after 13 years at Old Trafford - during which time he won five Premier League titles, the Champions League and also became the club's all-time record scorer with 253 goals.

United ended up waiving a fee for Rooney, who had a year left on his contract with the option of another 12 months, and Mourinho said it was a wrench to see him go.

"I miss him a lot," Mourinho said. "I'm not the kind of guy that gets normally emotional in my job and I did with him when he left." (Daily Telegraph, London)