FOOTBALL legend Wayne Rooney is a known rugby league fan and being from Liverpool, throwing his support behind Warrington Wolves would have been an option for him.

However, he revealed exactly why he chose not to follow any of the teams in his locality and instead chose Leeds Rhinos as his team.

Current Birmingham City manager Rooney – Manchester United and England’s record goalscorer – was the first guest on Rob Burrow’s new podcast “Seven: Rob Burrow” where his admiration for the game was discussed.

And he insists supporting Warrington or their neighbours Wigan and St Helens was never an option.

“I remember thinking there was no way I was going to support St Helens, Warrington, Wigan because they’re all fake Scousers,” he joked.

“I was thinking about what team to support and I remember a Friday night watching the Rhinos play – seeing Rob there with Keith Senior and Kevin Sinfield. I was gripped.

“I knew that it was controversial playing for Manchester United and the rivalry they have with Leeds in the football, but just from watching that first game, I was gripped.”

The new podcast sees the inspirational Burrow - using the communicating aid that helps him speak as a result of his MND diagnosis - and his wife Lindsey interviewing seven sporting greats.

Upcoming guests on the BBC Sounds podcast include England rugby union World Cup-winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and double Olympic gold medal-winning runner Dame Kelly Holmes.