Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he received death threats from Everton fans when he moved to Old Trafford in 2004.
The former England captain came out of Everton’s academy as a youngster and played for their first team for a few years before being quickly signed by Man Utd in a big transfer deal.
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.
Yet speaking on his latest podcast with BBC Sport, Rooney admitted it took a toll on him, as he received death threats and his parents’ house was vandalized.
Wayne Rooney on huge reaction from Everton fans following his move to Man United
Rooney left Goodison Park in the summer of 2004 and it seemed clear at the time that the move had not gone down well at all with Everton fans.
Toffees supporters still booed Rooney when he returned to their pitch, and off the pitch things were even worse.
“I received death threats,” Rooney said. “My parents’ house was spray painted and destroyed. My girlfriend at the time, my wife now, was spray painted. Her house was spray painted.
“I think that’s where you have to be mentally strong. The people around you have to help you.
“Leaving was difficult because I went to Manchester United, and Liverpool and Manchester were a big rivalry, which made it a lot more difficult.
“But I always thought I didn’t care. I knew what I wanted and I knew how to get there.
“I had to stay tough in my mind. It was people from my town so it was tough but I thought ‘I don’t care’, you have to be selfish and make these decisions.”
Wayne Rooney later returned for a second spell at Everton
Somewhat surprisingly, after such harsh treatment, Rooney then returned to Everton for a second spell.
When his time at United ended in the summer of 2017, Rooney joined EFC again, scoring 11 goals in 40 games before leaving after just one season.
The veteran striker then had spells with DC United and Derby County before hanging up his boots and moving into both management and expertise.
