Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has echoed the club's fans by labeling Wayne Rooney the white Pele.
It has been sung by the Stratford End for a few years now, in gratitude of the 25-year-old's status as a player of special talent.
And, in responding to an observation from Benfica manager Jorge Jesus that Rooney is "more Brazilian or Argentinian" than English in the way he plays the game ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League clash with United at the Stadium of Light, Ferguson made his own comparison.
"Look at Pele," said Ferguson. "He was a very aggressive attacker as well who could look after himself. So can Rooney. There are similarities that way in strength, speed and determination.
"But he is white, completely white."
In fact, The Scot thinks of Rooney as the very best of British, boasting the same aspiration, work ethic and talent as United legends of old.
"Wayne is a typical British player. But there have been British players who have great qualities that made them great players.
"(Paul) Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.
"The similarities are that the boy has great courage. He wants to play all the time. He has incredible stamina. These are added extras to the talent he has."
That talent has been on show to great effect so far this season, as Rooney has found the net eight times in four Premier League games, leaving him just three adrift of his tally from last year.
Jesus has been watching the England striker closely. And he is adamant Rooney has no peer in his native land.
"Rooney is the best British player so far," he said.
"But he plays like an Argentinian or Brazilian. He can decide a match in the last third of the field. We will have to pay great attention to him."
