Fabio Capello believes Wayne Rooney had “lost everything” following his return to Everton.
Rooney rejoined to his boyhood club from Manchester United in July 2017 but stayed for just one season before signing for DC United in the MLS.
The pair have taken swipes at each other in the past about their time together with England, where Capello managed from 2008 to 2012.
Shortly after his resignation, Capello said one of the problems was that Rooney “did not understand English,” while the striker said he expected more from the Italian and criticised him for wildly celebrating an Italy goal during the 2010 World Cup.
Capello believes the drive had gone from the 33-year-old before he jetted off to America.
Speaking in his role as Laureus Ambassador, he said: “He decided to go to America, it is new football, different football.
“It is a new experience and a lot of Italian players go there to finish off their careers.
“Rooney is a good player, but I saw the season when he returned to Everton and he didn’t perform well.
“He was on the pitch but like another part of the team.
“It was not the Rooney I remember – fighting, running – nothing. He lost everything, all his characteristics.”