Vogts, who managed Scotland between 2002 and 2004, has revealed that he once approached Wayne Rooney about playing for Scotland.
The German was made aware by the Scottish Football Association that Wayne qualified because his grandmother is Scottish.
"I spoke to Wayne Rooney – his grandmother, she is Scottish," said Vogts, who is currently head coach of Azerbaijan. Speaking ahead of his team’s world cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, he recalls his conversation with Rooney.
“I flew from Glasgow to Everton. He was playing under David Moyes at Everton and I spoke to him – a young lad of 16 years of age. I said to him 'you can play for Scotland'."
Revealing Rooney's reaction, the German coach theatrically beat his chest and said: "[Rooney told me] 'I am English, I am English!'.
The Scottish FA did not wish to add to their ex-employee’s comments when contacted. Rooney eventually went on to make his England in February 2003, aged just 17, scoring 36 goals in 84 internationals.
Berti Vogt’s comments came when asked about the issue of national eligibility, sparked by the recent case of young Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj. The 18 year old winger is eligible to play for a number of national teams, including England on residency grounds.
Vogts went onto say "It's a Fifa rule. We have to accept it. It is not only in Great Britain but also here in Azerbaijan."
A number of faces in world football have weighed in on the debate, notably Jack Wilshere. The Arsenal man said earlier this week that living in England for five years "doesn't make you English," Read into that as you will.
Source: DSG
