Footballer Wayne Rooney signs for Mercedes

It has always been a marketing favourite with top car manufacturers to approach a high profile footballer to drive their cars, but marketing experts have questioned the deal with Rooney suggesting his reputation could put off some of the more traditional customers.

Rooney has been given a customised Mercedes CL63 Coupe worth approximately £121,000 as part of a deal with Mercedes to act as their ambassador. It is reported that he has to drive the Mercedes to matches and training as part of the contract and will be loaned other top models for his personal use. As with most footballers Rooney has a love of cars and already owns an Aston Martin Vanquish, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Bentley Continental GT.

Some reports suggest that Mercedes should have chosen someone aspirational and classy to advertise their cars and feel that Rooney does not fit that category and it could possibly backfire on Mercedes and put off traditional Mercedes customers.

By Geraldine Ashton-Green