Move from Everton Sparks Backlash
Former England striker Wayne Rooney says he received death threats after leaving Everton for Manchester United. Rooney joined the Red Devils in 2004, aged 18, in a £27m deal. He turned down a record contract from Everton before making the switch.
The move triggered a fierce backlash from some Everton supporters. “I got death threats,” Rooney said on his show. He added that his parents’ house suffered vandalism, and his then-girlfriend, now wife, faced similar attacks. Rooney explained that he needed mental strength and support from those around him to cope.
“Leaving was difficult because I went to Manchester United,” he said. “Liverpool and Manchester had a big rivalry, which made it much harder. I always thought ‘I don’t care’. I knew what I wanted and how to get there. I had to stay tough mentally. People from my city made it tough, but I had to be selfish and make the decision.”
Pressures of the Modern Game
Rooney reflected on the growing pressure modern players face. Social media exposes young athletes to constant judgment, which he did not experience at his age. His eldest son, Kai, plays for Manchester United and Rooney emphasizes the importance of a strong support network.
“Now the difference is social media,” Rooney said. “When I was young, local newspapers covered me, and everyone in Liverpool knew me. My son, at 16, has hundreds of thousands of people watching on social media. He plays for United and has Puma sponsorships. Young players get judged, rightly or wrongly, so you need family and club support to stay grounded.”
He warned that social media can overwhelm even talented youngsters. “It’s important that people close to you have your best interests at heart. That’s the main thing.”
Childhood Letters to Duncan Ferguson
Rooney also revealed that he wrote to Everton striker Duncan Ferguson while Ferguson was in jail for assault in 1995. Rooney was 10 at the time and idolized Ferguson. “I used to write to him in jail, and he wrote back,” Rooney said. “I told him how much I loved him, and he said thanks. When you’re in jail, any message means a lot.”
Rooney joined Everton’s academy in 1996 and debuted for the first team at 16 in 2002 while Ferguson was still at the club. “He would take me home from training because I was too young to drive,” Rooney recalled. “My family were huge Everton fans. Duncan would take me to my mum’s house while my dad waved from the window. It was surreal.”
