Wayne Rooney's warning to son Kai as he says 'life can't get worse' in heartbreaking update

Wayne Rooney once admitted it's too early to bank on his aspiring footballer son, Kai, turning professional for Manchester United. That was before Kai, 15, issued a heartbreaking update after sustaining an injury, where he said, "life can't get worse".

Rooney junior has had big boots to fill since joining United's academy set-up as an 11-year-old in 2020, given that his dad is one of the greatest English footballers ever and the club's all-time leading goal scorer.

Yet, the youngster reportedly scored 56 goals in his debut season with the Red Devils. He's followed in his dad's footsteps by usually operating in a central position but also impacting games in wider areas, earning him comparisons with the United legend.

Kai's ascent through the youth ranks saw him recently called up to the United-19s squad, where he played with other prospects who are four years older than him. His call-up was followed by a sweet goal he scored for the Under-18s, which saw him fire a left-footed volley into the top corner.

But the teenager's momentum has now come to a crashing halt. This week, Kai took to Instagram to upload a mirror selfie showing him on crutches while wearing a protective boot on his right foot.

In a caption overlaying the photo, he wrote: "Life can't get worse," alongside a crying emoji, suggesting he has picked up a major injury while playing in United's development team.

The tone of his post suggests it may be a long time until he is back playing for United again. While he is yet to wrestle the spotlight onto himself in the same way as his iconic father did when he burst onto the scene at Everton aged 16, Kai's ability and playing style is certainly reminiscent of his famous father in his pomp at Old Trafford.

But Rooney has been quick to remove any pressure from his son by taking things one step at a time, consistently stating it's too early to tell whether Kai will make it and warning his son there is a long road ahead.

Even before the injury, the 39-year-old sought to keep Kai level-headed and not get his hopes up. Speaking with Gary Neville, he said: "[He has] my physique, but he'll be taller than me and he's a goal scorer, he's in the box, he sniffs chances out and that's his game, so he's doing okay."

Fellow United legend Neville then asked: "Obviously you can't remember yourself, but is he at that sort of level where you think he's got a chance, or is it too early?"

Rooney replied: "I think it's too early, you never know. I think he's showing potential and good signs. So, obviously, he'll be at United now for the next two years, and that's when they make decisions on you, so just wait and see."

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