Cristiano Ronaldo says he is unhappy at Real Madrid, and in all the fallout from the speculation he has called, the fact he earns less than former Manchester United teammate has been highlighted.
Rooney secured himself a record wage packet back in the Autumn of 2010, when he threatened to quit United and the club caved into his demands.
So it is surely an insult to the club's supporters and the club itself that he admitted he returned overweight.
"The scales in the club gym tell me I've put on a few more pounds than expected – seven. Seven!
"Then I remember – I drank a few bevvies while I was away. I'm stocky."
His words came in his updated autobiography, being serialised by the Mirror this week. Which will in turn net him more money.
He must know he is going to cause a stir by releasing his book, and the details of his Boxing Day bust-up with Sir Alex, and it is just plain foolish to do so.
Everybody remembers what happened with Jaap Stam and his book, which saw him sold after his details of life at United was too candid for his manager's liking.
The problem perhaps lies with the fact Rooney feels he is untouchable at the club, and can do what he likes.
That is why Ferguson's signing of Van Persie is a touch of genius. It applies the pressure on Rooney to up his game and concentrate on his football, and means the club will rely on him far less.
The striker can turn around and say he lost the weight and he was fine when the season started, except he wasn't.
Rooney's revelation about coming back unfit has hardly come as a surprise, he looked well off the pace against Everton, and was dropped for the next game before picking up his injury.
Rooney earns the top wage at the club, and in the Premier League, and needs to start showing the commitment his club has made to him back. He is a superb talent, as seen by his 35 goals last season, and has still got it despite what detractors have said about him, but he has to keep his fitness up to scratch, and show the professionalism which £250,000 a week demands.
United should hit him where it really hurts and fine him, because his wallet appears to be most important to him as seen by the release of his book, which will only hack off his manager. And keeping the peace, regaining and maintaining his fitness, and repairing his relationship with Ferguson should be his priority, for the good of himself and the club.
image: © pahudson
Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombsGoogle+more stories from Dan Coombs
Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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