Rooney Explains Swearing Mistake

Wayne Rooney has admitted he lost control when he swore into a live TV camera after scoring against West Ham at Upton Park, and that it was wrong.

The Manchester United striker, 25, was banned for two matches by the Football Association and must sit out Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City.

"I didn't realise what I'd done," he told talkSPORT. "It was just emotions."

Rooney also thinks his team-mate Ryan Giggs should be knighted, and laughed off a storm over a split with sponsors.

After helping United into the Champions League last four when a 3-1 aggregate victory over Chelsea was completed on Tuesday, Rooney - who previously indicated he felt victimised by the punishment - conceded his conduct in east London on 1 April was unacceptable.

"It was a release of scoring the three goals to get us back in the game," he said. "As soon as I realised after the game I apologised as soon as I could.

"Of course, it was wrong of me to do.

"But I accept my punishment and you just have to move on. Hopefully the boys can pull through for me on Saturday, and hopefully get to that FA Cup final."

Rooney - who was superb in the two European matches against Chelsea which fell either side of the Fulham Premier League game he missed through suspension - also admits being bewildered at the fuss created by a parting of the ways with former sponsors Coca-Cola.

Press speculation claimed he was dropped after the swearing incident, but England international Rooney says they ended their relationship last year.

"I spoke with Coke towards the end of last season about signing a new deal and, with the Olympics coming up, they wanted a bit more of my time to do more commercial appearances," he said.

"I just didn't have the time to do it.

"This all happened at the end of last season - so I haven't been with Coca-Cola since 2010, but it's only just come out now. It makes me laugh when people say I have been dropped by them."

After he and Ryan Giggs inspired United to victory against domestic rivals Chelsea in Europe's elite club competition, Rooney hailed his Welsh team-mate as one of the greatest players in the club's history - and believes it is only a matter of time before he is knighted.

"He is just incredible," he said.

"What he's done for Manchester United and what he's done for the young players, it's absolutely fantastic to have him at the club. He's a genius and I don't think it'll be too long before we're calling him Sir Ryan in my opinion."

Rooney also praised fellow United veteran Paul Scholes, now 36.

"Scholes is the best footballer who I have ever played with," he said.

"His vision, his passing, everything about him. He's world class.

"Over the course of the season the manager has brought in a lot of younger players and it's worked, the likes of Chris Smalling, Javier Hernandez, Darron Gibson. With these guys we've managed to get the results we needed and we're progressing as a team.

"The future looks good for us and we're on the up."

Of his own displays, Rooney added: "It's been a tough season for me, but I'm pleased with my form and the results we're getting.

"I'm playing in a slightly different position now - which means I'm getting more of the ball and can dictate the game."