Wayne Rooney says he was 'very disappointed' after Tom Brady questioned work ethic: 'It was very unfair'
The controversy started after Brady expressed concerns about Rooney during the "Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues" docuseries on Amazon Prime. The program, which aired Aug. 1, followed the Birmingham City Football Club after Brady joined the club as a minority owner in 2023.
During an episode of the series, Brady called out Rooney's work ethic, saying, "I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic." He later added, 'I mean, I don't know, I don't have great instincts on that.'
Rooney pushed back on that criticism on his podcast, saying Brady's comments were "unfair," per The Athletic.
'I saw that last week from Tom Brady. I think it was a very unfair comment.
'I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway, and I don't think he really understood football that well. But what he does understand is, he's a hard worker, we know that.
'Football is not the NFL. NFL works for three months a year. Players do need rest as well, so I think it was very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that.'
Brady won out in the end. Rooney was fired after just 15 matches. Birmingham City turned in one of its worst seasons, and was relegated to League One.
While Rooney was upset about the comments, he was careful not to rip Brady. In addition to calling Brady a "hard worker," Rooney said he has "respect" for Brady. Rooney also called Brady "one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete of all time."
Rooney also delivered an all-time, out-of-context quote about Brady, saying, "I don't think he really understood football that well." Rooney was obviously using the term "football" to mean soccer, but it's still a funny thing to read about Brady.
Birmingham City bounced back quickly after showing Rooney the door. The team broke the record for most points scored in League One the following season and earned a promotion.
Rooney was hired by Plymouth Argyle in May of 2024. His tenure with the club lasted just a few months. With the team in last place, Rooney and Plymouth Argyle agreed to mutually split in December.
Rooney, considered one of the greatest soccer players of his era, has not been hired by another club since leaving Plymouth Argyle.
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