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The Everton ace quit international football in August following 119 caps and a record 53 goals.
He has bounced back to his best under new boss Sam Allardyce and Chelsea coach Conte said his team should fear Rooney most today after six goals in his last five games.
“Only the player understands when the moment is arriving to say ‘stop’ when it comes to playing for the national team,” said Conte, who quit playing at 35.
“To stop your career with the national team is not easy. I’m sure his heart is a bit broken by this decision.
“But, at the same time, we have to respect it because only the player understands when this moment has come.”
Under former boss Jose Mourinho, Chelsea tried to buy Rooney twice.
Chelsea’s likely line-up to face Everton away
Chelsea FC
“Only the player understands when the moment is arriving to say ‘stop’ when it comes to playing for the national team”
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
The Chelsea boss said he still rates the 32-year-old, who rejoined Everton from Manchester United in the summer.
“I think it was a great buy for them,” said Conte.
“He’s showing he’s a fantastic player. He’s continued to play in a fantastic way. We must pay great attention because Rooney is a player who, when he plays, plays with his soul. You can see this during the game.”
Conte believes Rooney has what it takes to be a manager when he quits playing.
“He has great passion,” said the Italian. “Usually when you have this type of passion, you can do this job.
“In our job, you must have great passion, great patience, great will to suffer. Suffer, yes.”
Conte also renewed his call for a winter break in England with today’s game being the first of seven in 21 days for his reigning champions.
“I think that it’s right to play during the Christmas period but, at the same time, after the Christmas period you must have a break,” he said.
“Because I think you have to try to put every team in the best situation to be competitive in all competitions. Then in February, when the Champions League restarts, you arrive very tired.
“When you play 25 games in two-and-a-half months it’s not simple.
“You spend a lot of energy, to prepare analysis videos, to prepare tactical work, to prepare your team to play in a different system with different opponents.
“If we think you only play, you don’t have great difficulty. But when there is work behind the game, preparing for the game – and for sure you have to work very hard, me and my staff, to work, work, work very hard.”