• Premier League

Rooney 'terrified' standing over crucial penalty

ESPN staff
May 14, 2011
Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring from the penalty spot © PA Photos
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Wayne Rooney has admitted he was 'terrified' to take the penalty that ultimately clinched Manchester United's 19th Premier League title.

Rooney stepped up to take the penalty after Javier Hernandez had been brought down by Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson. He composed himself and sent Robinson the wrong way to make the score 1-1 - securing the point United needed to win the title.

The striker admitted, however, that he was struggling with fear in the wait to take the crucial spot-kick.

"I was terrified, the ref took a long time to give it," Rooney told Sky Sports. "I had to compose myself, [but] I'd been practising all week."

Rooney, who later showed his followers on Twitter that he had shaved a '19' into his chest hair to commemorate the success, admitted it was a great pleasure to overtake Liverpool as English football's most successful club.

"For me personally, being an Everton fan, to win a 19th title is special," he added.

Ryan Giggs, who has been a part of much of the success United have achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson, once again paid tribute to the squad's hunger for success.

"It's a tough league to win and it's still as special as ever," he said.

"We have the desire and it's a pleasure to play in this team. We want to win trophies."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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