Wayne Rooney says he got death threats when he left Everton for Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney revealed he faced severe backlash, including death threats, after leaving Everton for Manchester United in 2004 at the age of 18 in a £27 million transfer. The move sparked anger from some Everton fans, leading to vandalism at his family homes, which he attributed to the intense rivalry between the clubs. Rooney emphasized the importance of mental strength and support networks for young players, especially given the added pressures of social media today, contrasting it with his own experiences during a less connected era. He also shared his childhood connection with Duncan Ferguson, who wrote back to him while serving time in prison, highlighting the significance of support throughout his early years in football.
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Rooney joined Manchester United in 2004 after turning down a lucrative contract from Everton, leading to a £27 million transfer fee that made headlines across England.
The backlash from Everton fans was intense, with Rooney's parents' house being vandalized as well as his girlfriend's home, which he described as a challenging experience emotionally.
Reflecting on the impact of modern social media, Rooney noted that young players today face constant scrutiny, unlike his own youth when local newspapers were the primary medium of attention.
Rooney's son, Kai, currently plays for Manchester United, and Rooney has emphasized the need for a robust support system to help navigate the pressures associated with youth football in the digital age.
As a child, Rooney maintained a correspondence with Duncan Ferguson, who was jailed for assault, illustrating Rooney's early admiration for the player and the emotional connections formed during his upbringing.
Rooney joined Everton's academy in 1996 and made his professional debut at 16, marking the beginning of a storied career in football and further deepening his ties to the club.