3 DECEMBER 2005, Page 26

Weeping for Wayne

From Peter Hughes

Sir: Shall we be expected to observe the same Dianalia of mourning that has accompanied the demise of George Best if, heaven forfend, Wayne Rooney should now die? His skills as a footballer are comparable and he plays for Manchester United; or does he need 40 years of dissipation and a liver transplant to be guaranteed the nation’s unequivocal admiration?

Peter Hughes London SW1