Kieran Trippier reveals funny nickname ‘lunatic’ Diego Costa had for him at Atletico Madrid which stuck for two years
Kieran Trippier was nicknamed 'Rooney' at Atletico Madrid, and it was started by former Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
The England defender enjoyed a successful two-and-a-half years in the Spanish capital having helped the team to the LaLiga title in the 2020/21 season.
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It seems the most of his worries were the confusion he felt over why he was being compared to Manchester United and England legend Wayne despite having very different games.
When asked why he was called Rooney, full-back Trippier said on The Overlap: "You know what, I actually don't know. He used to call me Rooney every single day for about two years!
"I shaved my head once and Rooney shaved his head so from then everyone started calling me Rooney at Madrid."
The nickname was coined by a character in the game in Costa, who Trippier says was a 'lunatic' in the dressing room.
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Trippier also said that Costa's wild training ground antics were often overlooked by Atleti boss Diego Simeone.
When asked who the best character he's ever had in the dressing room, Trippier said: "Diego Costa. Lunatic, absolute lunatic!
"We'd be walking down a hill on a training pitch and he'd fly past you on one of those buggies or a tractor doing doughnuts on the pitch. He was a lunatic.
"But Simeone... brilliant in the dressing room... Simeone sort of accepted it."
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Trippier recently called time on his long international career, having most recently represented England at his fourth major tournament at Euro 2024.
England reached the final, but lost to Spain and shortly after ended his time with the national team after winning 54 caps over seven years.
"I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country let alone achieve 54 caps," he said when he announced the news.
"It’s been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at four major tournaments."
"I want to say a big thank you to Gareth and all the staff that have worked with the England squad for the trust they have placed in me throughout the years."
"Thank you to all my team mates - we have had some very special moments reaching two Euro finals, and a World Cup semi final and I am sure in the future this group of players will win a major tournament. I want to wish Lee, the coaching staff and the team all the best for the future.
"And finally a big thank you to all the England fans for your incredible support travelling all over the world to support us and keeping us going in the difficult moments."
It is understood he also wants out of Newcastle and has been linked with a move to Turkey where Jose Mourinho is manager at Fenerbahce.
Trippier moved to Newcastle in January 2022 from Atletico for £12million and made an instant impact as Howe steered the club away from relegation danger.