Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney designed motorcycle featuring 21 black diamonds and a white diamond sells for £43,250 at Bonhams

(Diamond Ne.ws) A motorcycle designed by Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney was the top-selling lot at the Bonhams auction of Sporting and Golf Memorabilia in Chester, UK, on Wednesday 20th February, realizing £43,250.
The 2012 Lauge Jensen cruiser-style machine, designed by the world-famous striker and custom-made by the Danish motorcycle manufacturer was sold in aid of KidsAid, a Danish charitable foundation that helps young people affected by illness.
It incorporated a number of special features, including:
• An autographed ‘No 10′ football shirt mounted and lacquer-sealed onto the petrol tank
• A special shift rod incorporating 21 black diamonds and a white diamond
• Rear mudguard depicting Rooney’s celebration of his spectacular goal against Manchester City in 2011 that helped Manchester United claim that year’s Premiership title and was named ‘Best Goal’ of the season.
Commenting on its sale, Mr Rooney said: “The bike was made to commemorate and celebrate my overhead kick goal against Manchester City that was voted by the fans the best goal in the 20 years of the Premier League.

“Lauge Jensen, who I collaborated with in the design of the bike, I feel truly captured what the moment was about in the creation of this unique bike.
“I am further delighted that through Bonhams we have been able to raise a fantastic amount of money to benefit the KidsAid charity.”
The entire auction realized just over £270,000, with a 90 per cent sale rate.
Other items of interest included a collection of 22 Premier League inaugural season hand-signed match-worn football shirts which sold above estimate at £18,750, a Theo Faberge limited edition number 7 egg created in celebration of former Celtic FC footballer Jimmy Johnstone that realized £11,875, and a pair of framed autographed Usain Bolt running spikes that made ju st over £1,300.
Christopher Hayes, Bonhams Sporting Memorab ilia Specialist, said: “We were very pleased with the outcome of the auction, which realized our second highest sale total of the past six years.
“As usual our buyers were looking for high value, quality items to invest in, and the sale total reflects the fact there were plenty of these on offer.
“Items relating directly to sports stars like boxers Muhammad Ali and Sir Henry Cooper, as well as shirts worn by former footballers proved popular.
“In addition we saw very competitive bidding on six lots relating to former footballer Jack Burkett, most of which sold above top estimate, and on eight lots relating to former Chelsea player and coach Dick Spence, some of which realized more than 10 times their estimate.”