Ex-Sunderland defender Danny Rose reveals conversation with Jordan Henderson

Health secretary Matt Hancock caused controversy when he called on footballers to take pay cuts after a number of clubs, including Newcastle United, used a Government scheme to furlough staff on 80% of their wages during the shutdown.

United defender Rose has spoken to Liverpool captain and former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is setting up a fund for NHS staff.

“Seeing comments from people at the House of Parliament, we sort of feel our backs are against the wall,” Rose told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Friday Night Club.

“Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.

“I just got off the phone to Jordan Henderson, and he’s working so hard trying to come up with something.

“It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football trying to tell footballers what to do with their money. I found that so bizarre.”

Rose – who had a spell on loan at Sunderland early in his career – is happy to make a “contribution” to NHS staff who are dealing with the deadly pandemic.

“I can only speak for myself, but I have no problems whatsoever contributing any of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line, and to people who have been affected by what’s happening at the minute,” said the 29-year-old.