WAYNE ROONEY and Patrick Vieira are being inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame.
The pair will become the first players to be part of the Class of 2022 and a shortlist of 25 other retired stars will be announced this afternoon.
A public vote will open and, from that shortlist, six more former players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Former Manchester United striker Rooney, 36, now manager of Derby, is second in the Prem's all-time scoring list with 208 goals.
He said: “It’s a huge honour for me to be named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, alongside an incredible group of players who have already been inducted.
“Growing up, I watched the Premier League as far back as I can remember.
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“My dream was always to become a professional footballer, score goals and win trophies — and I was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times.
“I have so many brilliant memories from my years playing for Everton and Manchester United and I’m really proud of what we achieved.
"To enter the Hall of Fame is very special for me and I’m grateful to be recognised.”
Vieira, 45, was captain of the Arsenal Invincibles team which did not lose a game in the 2003-04 campaign.