He may have been in Stockholm on Tuesday and Wednesday night, but Wayne Rooney's heart was in Manchester.
The Manchester United captain has spent his life in the English north-west, and has been based in Manchester for over 13 years.
Like many, he was affected by Monday night's bombing at the Manchester Arena which took the lives of at least 22 people. Rooney's Foundation has donated £100,000 to help the victims of the bombing and he his urging others to do the same.
"There are moments in life that instantly affect you and stop you in your tracks. Monday night was one of those occasions", Rooney said in a statement on his Foundation's website. "Like so many others, I have enjoyed great nights at the arena, often with my family."
"As a father, I am horrified that a night out for so many young people could end so tragically. My heart goes out all those affected. Please give whatever you can."
The striker lifted the Europa League trophy on Wednesday night as Manchester United captain, and even in the celebrations, his thoughts were with those in Manchester.
Winners! Please help victims & families of Manchester tragedy by donating at https://t.co/sWkhEOKYmv or texting 'CityUnited' to donate £5 https://t.co/t8ck0zlCiI
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 24, 2017
Rooney's gesture is one of many made by sports stars in Manchester and beyond. The striker looks set to leave the club at the end of the season.
His donation could leave a lasting legacy to those in need in the most tragic of circumstances.
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