Rooney hooked on history books after trip to Nazi death camp in Auschwitz

London, Dec 9 (ANI): Wayne Rooney was so moved by a trip to a Nazi death camp that he is now hooked on books about the Second World War, it has been revealed.

England boss Roy Hodgson said that the Manchester United striker was close to tears during the squad's Auschwitz visit before Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine, the Mirror reported.

Rooney and team-mates toured the concentration camp in Poland where more than one million people were exterminated by Nazis.

"Wayne was moved by it. At one point Joe Hart (England keeper) put his hand on his shoulder and asked if he was all right," Hodgson said.

"I wasn't surprised because I know how different he is to the public perception. Many footballers have a reputation far different to what they deserve.

"Wayne is quite well-read on the subject. Most of his generation, unlike mine, aren't as aware as we are. But Wayne is very interested in all aspects of the Second World War. He has all the World At War television series," he added.

After visiting Auschwitz Rooney spoke out about the horrific camp.

"You have to see it first hand. I am a parent and it's tough to see what happened there," he said. (ANI)