Marco van Basten has fired a warning to Wayne Rooney, urging him not to gamble with his career by playing through the pain barrier.
Van Basten, was one of the world's best when he was struck down by a recurring ankle injury, forcing him to retire early at the age of 29.
The three-time European footballer of the year watch in horror as Sir Alex Ferguson put his lead striker through 55 minutes of pain as Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
Rooney had declared himself fit, despite sustaining an ankle injury that should have sidelined him for up to fourth weeks, and faces more time in the treatment room after re-injuring the recovering ankle.
For Van Basten, the situation was all too familiar.
He said: "When I saw Rooney limping against Bayern in the first few minutes I was begging for him to be substituted.
"I still cannot believe why Alex Ferguson, who I rate highly as a manager, did not take him off. I've been where Rooney was. I know what it is like. If your ankle is damaged and you get another heavy tackle on it the pain is always with you.
"It can do more damage, and a great striker needs to feel free of pain, if you want him to perform.
"I was watching every step Rooney took on the pitch.
"After hurting his ankle so badly again in the early minutes, I could see quite clearly that he spent the rest of his time walking on his heels. That means pain.
"A top-class striker normally plays up on his toes, so he can sprint or go for every ball that falls in his direction."
Van Basten was once the most feared striker in the world, and he showed why by bagging a hat-trick against England at Euro 88, his goal in the final against the former Soviet Union securing him the golden boot in the competition.
But the Dutchman was haunted by ankle injuries after that tournament, and a series of surgeries could not revive his flagging career.
Van Basten could only watch as a wounded Rooney got hacked at by Bayern's defenders.
He said: "People think the sending off of Rafael turned the tie against United. But Rooney's condition meant they also played the first half with ten men. He stood and watched the game go by. That is not his character. It was the injured ankle."
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