Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has set his sights on winning the Europa League this season, describing Thursday's semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo as a "huge chance" for the players.
The Reds hold a 1-0 advantage in the tie following Marcus Rashford's free-kick during last week's first leg in Spain, and will now look to finish the job at Old Trafford, with the final in Stockholm on 24 May in sight.
Having already lifted the Community Shield and EFL Cup this season, Rooney is targeting another triumph, this time in continental competition, but admits it won't be easy.
"It's a massive chance to get to the final," he told reporters. "I think it's been a long, hard competition this season. We deserve to be here and it's an opportunity for us to win a trophy, so it's a huge chance for us.
"It's important for us to be back in the Champions League, of course. It's something we all want and I think this club belongs there. Realistically, it's going to be difficult to do it through the league so this is the chance for us to do it but also to win a trophy. First of all we have to concentrate on trying to win the trophy and take what comes with it, which of course is qualifying for the Champions League.
"This is a semi-final, a European semi-final, and it's the biggest competition we've realistically had of winning over the last two or three years," he added. "So, we're taking it really seriously, we want to win it. We're in a good position, but it's not over. Nevertheless, we feel we've got a good chance of going through to the final if we play to our best."
Rooney was also asked about his future at the club during the press conference, adding: "Would I like to stay? I've been at this club 13 years. Of course. I want to play football.
"I think football changes and you have different periods and challenges in your career and this season, of course, I've not played as much as I'd liked to have played. I would like to play more but that's the way it's panned out and I've tried to help the team off the pitch, on the pitch, and tried to help us win.
"I've not thrown my toys out of the pram, I've not made a big fuss about it but, of course, I'm a football player and I want to play football. The more I can play, obviously the better for me and the more I feel I can help the team."
United v Celta Vigo kicks off at 20:05 BST on Thursday and you can follow live coverage on MUTV [audio], ManUtd.com and @ManUtd on Twitter.
0 maoni:
Chapisha Maoni