Former Premier League striker Wayne Rooney has revealed how Newcastle United showed interest in signing him prior to his move to Manchester United in 2004.
Rooney signed a six-year deal at Old Trafford after bursting onto the scene with Everton. The striker scored 17 goals for the Toffees as a teenager, attracting his interest from the country’s top teams.
Man United paid £20million up-front for Rooney with another £7m guaranteed in add-ons. He went on to become one of the Premier League’s best-ever strikers and placed his name in United history by becoming their all-time top scorer with 253 games.
However, it could have been a different story for the former England international. The story of Newcastle’s interest in the then-18-year-old is not a new one but Rooney has revealed the role club icon Alan Shearer played in a potential move.
Following a mini-documentary on Sir Bobby Robson’s success at PSV Eindhoven ahead of Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage, Rooney was asked about his experience with the former Newcastle boss.
“There was interest from Newcastle when I was at Everton, I was 18,” he said. “I spoke to Alan Shearer as well. They probably put more pressure on Man United to sign me but he was such a gentleman, it would have been great to play for him, for sure.”
Rooney was then asked about the prospect of leading the line on Tyneside alongside Shearer. However, the former Birmingham City boss revealed how Shearer all-but put a stop to his ultimatum. “I wanted the number nine shirt but Shearer wouldn’t give it to me,” he said.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wayne-rooney-reveals-alan-shearer-31130066
