Wayne Rooney 'angry and disappointed' after visit from friend who later tested positive for coronavirus

Wayne Rooney has been left “angry and disappointed” amid fears he could have caught coronavirus from an infected friend who visited his home this week.

The Sun reported on Sunday that Josh Bardsley, who had been contacted by Test and Trace and later tested positive for Covid-19, had visited Rooney on Thursday to give him a watch.

Rooney, who is now a player-coach at Derby County, was unaware of any Covid-related concerns connected with Bardsley at the time.

He played in Derby’s 1-0 home defeat to Watford a day after the visit on Friday evening, and a statement from his management said the 34-year-old is furious.

Rooney is now taking a coronavirus test and a statement from his management said: "It was only on Saturday following media approaches and his own investigations that Wayne became aware that Josh had been contacted by track and trace before the visit and should not have come to his house.

"Wayne also today discovered that Josh had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. Had he known either that Josh had been contacted by track and trace or had tested positive he would have refused to have seen him.

"Wayne is angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of Government and NHS guidelines.

"He is now taking a coronavirus test as a result of his contact with Josh."

Derby released a statement reading: "Derby County Football Club is aware of a report in a national newspaper relating to a member of the club's playing squad being in contact with an individual which has tested positive for Covid-19," it read.

"On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL Covid-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under.

"The club will continue to adhere to the Covid-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff.

"The club will make no further comment unless a further update is required in relation to this matter."

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