Eriksson says China would be 'a great place' for Rooney to end career

Shanghai SIPG manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged Wayne Rooney to consider the Chinese Super League if he ever ponders a move away from Manchester United.

"Everybody in China knows the superstar players like him. Rooney would take this league to another level, I have no doubt about that," Eriksson told The Sun.

Eriksson handed the now 30-year-old Rooney his England debut in 2003, and he's since gone on to record the most goals in his country's history.

If he did eventually choose a move to China, the striker wouldn't be alone as a big name in the Asian division, and Eriksson believes he can enhance the competition's reputation further.

"Football is becoming huge here, and they have very big ambitions for the Chinese Super League," Eriksson said. "We already have famous players, like Robinho, Asamoah Gyan, and Demba Ba, and they have brought something special.

"But of course Rooney is at another level. He is top, top, top - in the same category as Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo."

It is clear the Swede still rates his former striker very highly, despite his struggles in getting on the scoresheet this term. Rooney has just two strikes in 11 Premier League starts so far.

Rooney is proud of his Merseyside roots, having begun his career with Everton before making a move of just 35 miles north to Old Trafford. While Rooney's remained in the Northwest of England his whole life, his old national team boss doesn't believe China's largest city would prove a huge culture shock.

"I live in Shanghai, and if you asked me to compare it to London, I honestly couldn't say which was better," Eriksson said. "It is modern, cosmopolitan and has so much energy. Everything you need is here. It is fantastic, and would be a great place for him to end his career."

United captain Rooney is in Champions League action against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, and will then return to domestic duties with a visit to Leicester City on Saturday.