Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has advised Wayne Rooney to consider dropping into midfield to extend his career.

Xavi played into his mid-30s in the heart of the Barcelona midfield and believes that the change in position could aid Rooney's long term future.

Xavi said: "Personally I think Rooney still has much to offer, but maybe it's time for him to adapt."

"You get to an age and you can't play the game you once used to, you can't cover the ground you used to. But intelligent players adapt and there's no doubting Rooney has a very good footballing brain."

"Maybe it's time for a new striker at Manchester United, who can run for 90 minutes, but Rooney would be very dangerous in a deeper role."

"He has the vision and the passing range to play that role very well. If he can adapt, there's no reason why he can't play at the top level for another five or six seasons."

"But as a player you must admit to yourself your body is changing and can't do what it used to be able to do."