The Warm-Up: Wayne Rooney's fateful day, Wilfried Zaha stays

Updated 26/05/2017 at 07:06 GMT

Regrets, I've had a Roo, but then again, too Roo to mention...

Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (L) jokes with a staff member

Image credit: Getty Images

Wayne Rooney: The End(-ish)

For those with an interest in charting the decline of one of the great English talents of the modern era, Thursday was a quite significant day.

At midday, Wayne Rooney was again excluded from the England squad and it wasn't even remotely controversial. Explaining his selection for the games against Scotland and France next month, Gareth Southgate laid out clearly and logically why there's no place for England's record scorer. "I can’t dress it up any other way," he said. "Other players are in really good form and deserve to keep their place."

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Then came publication of the interviews Rooney conducted in the mixed zone after the Europa League final, in which he made a brief cameo as Manchester United beat Ajax. Rooney told the press: "I know. No, I know [what I'm doing]... as the manager said before, he wants me to stay, but… "

With suggestions that a return to Everton or a £500,000-a week move to China are his two options, with Rooney leaning towards the former, one of the most explosive talents of his generation has effectively bowed out at the top level with the proverbial whimper. It's legitimately the end of an era.

Here's how the papers see it this fine summer morning.

Zaha signs up for Palace

They've lost Big Sam but Big Wilf is sticking around at Crystal Palace. The announcement was made at just before midnight and, with a curious photo accompanying the tweet, The Warm-Up can only conclude the final details were worked out during a sesh at Ibiza Rocks. Let's hope Zaha and Palace chairman Steve Parish tucked into a nice pint of wine as they sealed the deal.

Presumably after making a quick stop at San Antonio's all-night Burger King, Zaha said:

Palace is in my heart and I don't think the story is over. I spoke with Steve and I think I still have more to give this Club. The supporters have been amazing and I want us to do more than just stay in the League next year. I would like to thank the Chairman for being a big part of my journey and his fellow owners for backing me and rewarding my progression. Let's do this!

Navas leaves City

After 183 appearances, a paltry eight goals, three trophies and one surprisingly adept spell as a right-back, Jesus Navas is leaving Manchester City on a free transfer. Any clubs on the lookout for a non-scoring winger, make your presence known to his agent promptly.

IN OTHER NEWS

Youri Djorkaeff, the former France international of Armenian descent, has posted a rather sweet message congratulating Henrikh Mkhitaryan on his Europa League win and OH GOD JUST LOOK AT LITTLE MKHI'S MASSIVE SHORTS!!

IN THE CHANNELS

There's always time for a failed Panenka, especially when there's some drama involving the bar. The Under-20 World Cup is live on Eurosport and Jean-Kevin Augustin is its latest unwitting star.

COMING UP

England U20s take on South Korea in their final group game. They've beaten Argentina 3-0 and then drawn 1-1 with Guinea so fair to say a rather mixed bag so far. Tune in to Eurosport 2 or Eurosport Player at 12pm. You never know, you might just see another moment like this...