• Premier League

Rooney the victim of 'phone-hacking' scandal

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 28, 2011
Wayne Rooney has vowed to keep his mind on football © PA Photos
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Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a major tabloid scandal once more, though this time it is a newspaper and not the Manchester United striker who are accused of wrongdoing.

Rooney says he has been contacted by detectives investigating the News of the World phone-hacking scandal, which has enveloped Rupert Murdoch's media operation after it was admitted that the newspaper had used nefarious techniques to uncover information on celebrities and public figures.

The England international wrote on Twitter he was surprised that it "looks like a newspaper have (sic) hacked into my phone".

Rooney's wife Coleen also tweeted: "Newspapers hacking into phones!! Desperate and Disgusting!!!!"

A Scotland Yard spokesman was unable to confirm that a meeting had taken place with Rooney but said it was "up to him" what he wrote on the website.

Former Sky pundit Andy Gray, football agent Sky Andrew and Paul Stretford, who is Rooney's agent, have all been suggested as possible targets for phone-hacking, as has Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor, who is believed to have settled out of court with News International, the NOTW's parent company.

Rooney says the development will not lessen his dedication to United's push for honours. "Gonna get my lawyers to deal with phone hacking until end of season. So I can focus on helping MUFC win trophies. Thanks for all your support," he tweeted.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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