JUST mention Boxing Day to Wayne Rooney and it is guaranteed to bring a smile to his face.
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| Wayne Rooney and Phil Bardsley will go head to head in the ring once again |
The Manchester United and England legend will be sparring against big mate Phil Bardsley at Stoke today.
And that's enough to have Rooney's wife Coleen running to put the pots and pans away in the kitchen!
The two pals hit the front pages earlier in the year when a video emerged appearing to show Bardsley knocking the United star spark out in an impromptu sparring session in Rooney's kitchen.
Mystery still surrounds the authenticity of it all but it sparked one of the most famous goal celebrations of all time when Rooney confirmed their high jinks by falling flat on his back after scoring against Tottenham in March.
Bardsley was at home watching it on TV and reveals that definitely wasn't rehearsed.
Bardsley said: "I was on the sofa watching the game. It surprised me more than anyone. But that's what he's all about. "I'm not going back there. It's what lads do isn't it? It was just a bit of fun, you know what it's like?
"Lads will be lads - it's as simple as that. A kid from Crocky (Croxteth) and a kid from Salford just mucking about.
"Was I surprised how big it became? Well, it was always going to be big because of who it was. He handled it well. I spoke to him and we had a laugh and a joke about it.
"Top celebration though eh? We've been friends a long time We played against each other when we were 13-14 years of age.
"We've always had a great friendship. He's someone that gives a lot of time to people and never forgets his friends and stuff like that."
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| 'Lads will be lads' according to Stoke defender Phil Bardsley |
Bardsley gets fed up with the continual bashing Rooney gets and says the United star is a real diamond. He adds: "For him to go and achieve what he has achieved and all the records he's setting with England and United is sensational.
"He's great - it doesn't matter who you are with Wayne. He treats everybody exactly the same. And that's why everyone likes him so much."
Bardsley might have to watch proceedings from the bench but says: "I always like coming up against him because you always know with Wayne that you are going to be in for a tough day
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| Bardsley is sick of hearing about criticism of England's record goalscorer |
"We always see each other after and have a laugh and a joke. That's just the way it is. He's a people person.
"He's very private with his family but he doesn't treat anybody any differently. That's what I like about him. He's big on family.
"He's been in the spotlight from a young age so it's been difficult. He's actually a bit shy."
Bardsley adds: "He'll never change. He's always got that fire in his belly in the way he plays. His role now as captain and the way he plays has probably changed a bit.
"But he's a top player in the way he conducts himself on and off the field. He is a model pro."
Bardsley can't see his pal dropping down the divisions to see his career out - but fancies he might set his sights on the big screen!
He adds: "No, he won't do that. I'm sure he will be at United for the next two or three years. After that, who knows?
"He won't be short of offers but it will be up to him what he decides to do.
"I think he'd be interested in management or coaching. Knowing him, he'd probably want to do acting! He'd like to do a Vinnie Jones, I'm sure."
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