Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed that he received death threats from Everton fans when he moved to Old Trafford in 2004.
The former England captain came through Everton’s youth ranks and spent several years in the first team before making a big move when he was quickly snapped up by Man United.
It was clear that Rooney had a big career ahead of him and he felt he had to do what was right for him and join the Red Devils.
Still, Rooney admitted in his latest podcast with BBC Sport that he had taken a huge personal toll after receiving death threats and having his family home vandalized.
Wayne Rooney talks about Everton fans’ backlash over his move to Man United
Rooney left Goodison Park in the summer of 2004 and it was clear at the time that the move was not well received by Everton fans.
Toffees supporters booed Rooney whenever he returned to play on the ground, but things got even worse off the pitch.
Rooney said he had “received death threats.” “My parents’ house was spray painted and it was a mess. My girlfriend at the time, now my wife, had her house spray painted.
“I think that’s where you have to be mentally strong. The people around you have to help you.”
“It was difficult to leave because I went to Manchester United, and Liverpool and Manchester were a huge rivalry, so that made it even more difficult.
“But I always had the mindset of ‘I don’t care.’ I knew what I wanted and how to get there.
“I had to be tough inside. It was tough because it was people from my city, but I thought, ‘I don’t care.’ You have to be selfish and make these decisions.”
Wayne Rooney later returned for his second spell at Everton.
Somewhat surprisingly, after such harsh treatment, Rooney later returned to Everton for a second spell.
When his time at United came to an end in the summer of 2017, Rooney rejoined EFC, scoring 11 goals in 40 games before moving again after just one season.
The veteran forward then played for DC United and Derby County before retiring and moving into both management and punditry.
