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Former England forward Wayne Rooney has revealed that he received death threats after leaving his boyhood club, Everton, to join Manchester United.
Rooney made the switch in 2004 at the age of 18, completing a £27 million transfer after turning down a record contract from Everton, a decision that angered many Toffees supporters.
Speaking to BBC Sport on Friday, Rooney said his family faced intimidation during the period.
“I got death threats. My parents’ home was spray-painted and vandalised, and the same happened to my girlfriend’s house,” he recounted.
He noted that he had to remain mentally strong, especially because his move to United intensified local rivalries between Liverpool and Manchester.
Rooney hinted that he stayed focused on his ambitions despite the hostility.
“It was tough because it came from people in my own city, but I knew what I wanted. You have to be selfish sometimes,” he said on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
He also spoke about his eldest son, Kai, who plays in Manchester United’s youth team, stressing that young players now face even greater scrutiny due to social media.
Rooney explained that, unlike him, his son is exposed to massive online attention at a very young age.
He emphasised the importance of a strong support system for young athletes.
According to him, family and trusted people at the club are crucial in helping them stay grounded and navigate the pressures of early fame.
