Wayne Rooney has disclosed that before his high-profile transfer from Everton to Manchester United, he came close to joining Newcastle United.
In 2004, an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United, eventually etching his name into Old Trafford history by netting 253 goals in 559 appearances and becoming a true club legend.
In 2004, an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United, eventually etching his name into Old Trafford history by netting 253 goals in 559 appearances and becoming a true club legend.
Things might have taken a different turn in his early career, as several clubs were eager to secure his signature as a teenager. Notably, Newcastle showed interest, with Rooney even holding conversations with club legend Alan Shearer and the legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson.
Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, admitted he came close to joining Newcastle early in his career.
“I was actually ready to go to Newcastle,” he revealed. “United initially wanted to wait another year before making a move. Newcastle submitted an offer, and if United hadn’t stepped in when they did, I’d have signed for them.
Both clubs were competing for me at the time.
“My preference was always Manchester United, but I met with Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer and had conversations with them as well.”