Wayne Rooney's 'never dive' vow goes up in smoke

London, Dec 14(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who has repeatedly claimed in the past that he would never dive on the ground, changed his mind in a precarious situation during United's 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Earlier in October 2006, Rooney had said: "I would never dive. I would like to think of myself as an honest player. That's the way I play. I don't like diving, football doesn't need it."

Then in September this year, he said: "I have never intentionally tried to dive. There have been times when I have tried to stay on my feet and tried to get the shot off rather than going down. I have never intentionally dived," The Sun reported.

However on Saturday, Rooney backed off his words and tried to win a penalty for United, when he went down in the box with Aston Villa defender Luke Young in close attendance in the 24th minute of the game.

The special effort did not help United, as referee Martin Atkinson was spot-on to note that there was no contact at all from Young.

Rooney was also penalised for the dive, as he was shown a yellow card by Atkinson. (ANI)