Rory McIlroy laughs as he addresses the most ridiculous (?) thing he's ever said

Given Rory McIlroy burst into tears when Europe's miserable Ryder Cup fate was all-but sealed two years ago, it's hard to believe the Northern Irishman once said the contest wasn't important to him. 

To remind you, it was in 2009 the Northern Irishman famously said of the tussle between Europe and the United States:

How times change and McIlroy, whether he likes it or not, will be the leader of Luke Donald's team. 

He has already said he won't be making rousing dressing room speeches but he will make sure he will set a good example to the rookies.

After the BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy stressed for his desire to make sure he's the first one to a team meeting and the first one to the team bus. 

And he'll lead with his clubs of course. Hopefully. 

Reflecting on the nature of his 2009 comments, McIlroy told the DP World Tour official website:

He added:

Watch:

The Ryder Cup means everything @McIlroyRory | #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/JRiuUh2Yon

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 24, 2023

McIlroy and Team Europe arrived in Italy on 25 September ahead of the contest which begins on Friday. 

The Ulsterman looked fresh as a daisy when he got off the team bus. 

Four-time major champion McIlroy went on a stag do over the weekend. He was warned by captain Donald to take it easy. 

This will be McIlroy's seventh Ryder Cup appearance. Over 24 matches, he has won 12, halved four and lost 12. 

Rory arrives in Rome #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/gBA5BerLnH

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2023

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