Jesse Lingard Responds to Critics and Shares Valuable Advice from Wayne Rooney

Jesse Lingard is embracing a fresh start in South Korea, captaining FC Seoul and rediscovering his love for football as he nears the twilight of his career.

Despite the highs and lows of his time in England, the former Manchester United and West Ham star remains firm in his belief that his career has been a success.

Now 32 years old, Lingard recently spoke to the Daily Mail, sharing his reflections on his journey in football and addressing critics who have often questioned his approach to the game. Having won the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League, he insists that his time in England was far from a failure.

“I 100 per cent do not feel failure, I feel achievement,” Lingard said. “You just gotta look at my story from seven years old—a kid from Warrington making it all the way through. The percentages of that are like 0.2 per cent or something. I got chosen.”

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He recalled the sacrifices he made to pursue his dreams, including leaving home at just 12 years old to join Manchester United’s academy.

“You have to work hard. Go to digs and leave your family, move schools, and be in a different environment. And I was the smallest. I was tiny. Sometimes I had to play down a year. So I’ve been through the mill, from a football point of view.”

Lingard’s time in England was filled with unforgettable moments—scoring in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield, cementing his place as a fan favorite at Manchester United.

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During his loan spell at West Ham, he showcased his undeniable talent, producing electrifying performances. However, consistency often eluded him, and his move to Nottingham Forest ultimately did not work out as planned, marking the end of his time in English football.

Critics have long debated whether he could have achieved more, with some attributing his perceived shortcomings to his playful attitude.

But Lingard dismisses the notion that his mindset was ever a problem. He revealed how Wayne Rooney gave him an early lesson in humility, telling him: “Don’t buy your first car until you’ve played 50 games.”

Lingard recalled the moment he reached that milestone: “Obviously 50 games came, and I drove in a Range Rover. I parked up, and Rooney was like, ‘Whose is that? Have you played 50 games now?’ And that was me accepted.” He insists that while he has enjoyed his success, he has never been “flashy” but acknowledges the attention that comes with being a footballer.

Now, as captain of FC Seoul, Lingard is focused on leading by example and helping his team push further up the K-League table. He insists he is enjoying his football again and is determined to make the most of this new chapter in his career.

His side returns to action next weekend against Daegu, and with Lingard at the helm, FC Seoul will be looking to build on their strong start to the season. While his journey has taken him far from the Premier League, Lingard remains a player with passion, ambition, and a deep love for the game—something that no amount of criticism can take away.