London, Nov 1 : Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been cautioned for spitting at a photographer and forced to pen a grovelling apology to his victim.

The Manchester United ace finally said sorry last night when he attended a police station in central London.

Rooney, 22, spat on Lee Simmons’s back as he left a restaurant in the capital with wife Coleen, also 22.

Detectives had threatened to arrest Rooney and haul him before magistrates if he didn’t apologise. After a five-week stalemate, he decided to write the letter. The England star could have been charged with common assault, which carries a maximum six-month jail term.

He spent 1½ hours at Holborn police station last night accompanied by lawyers. He left before 7 p. m. in a chauffeur-driven silver Mercedes, The Sun reported.

Rooney was first quizzed the day after the incident on July 29 but was not arrested.

He said he spat on the ground outside the Hakassan Chinese eaterie. But saliva on 21-year-old Simmons’s clothing matched Rooney’s DNA.

By accepting a caution, the striker had to admit his guilt.

It is understood he first turned up at the nick yesterday morning but was sent away because he didn’t bring his letter of apology.

Last night Scotland Yard confirmed: “A 22-year-old man attended a central London police station by prior arrangement. He received a caution for common assault.” (ANI)