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Former England captain Wayne Rooney has hit back at NFL legend Tom Brady over remarks made in a behind-the-scenes documentary about Birmingham City. Brady, who became a minority owner of the English club in 2023, was featured in the docuseries Built in Birmingham. In one clip that circulated widely online, the seven-time Super Bowl winner said he was “a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic,” referring to Rooney, who lasted just 83 days in charge before being dismissed as the team struggled in the Championship. Speaking to BBC, Rooney called the comment “very unfair” and suggested Brady’s view was based on limited exposure. “Tom came in once, which was the day before a game, which is a little bit lighter anyway,” Rooney said. “And I don’t think he really understood football that well at the time. Maybe he does now.” Rooney stressed the difference between the two sports, adding: “What he does understand is that he’s a hard worker. We know that. So that’s why I’m really disappointed with the comment, because football is not NFL. NFL works for three months in a year, players do need rest as well, so I think he was very unfair in the way he’s come out and portrayed that.” Birmingham were relegated at the end of that season but bounced straight back up the following year, returning to the Championship, which is one tier below the Premier League.
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Despite his frustration, Rooney was keen to underline his respect for Brady. “Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively — he’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete of all time,” he said. “And Birmingham do look like they are getting it right now, which is good.”
