Wayne Rooney, former England striker, has opened up. He revealed receiving death threats. This occurred after his controversial move from boyhood club Everton to Manchester United in 2004.

The transfer angered many Toffees supporters. His family faced attacks as a result.

Speaking on BBC Sport’s “The Wayne Rooney Show,” he shared details. “I got death threats,” Rooney stated. “My parents’ house was spray-painted and smashed. My then-girlfriend’s house, now my wife, also suffered vandalism.”

Rooney recounted the emotional impact. The backlash and intense rivalry took a toll. This stemmed from his move from Merseyside to Old Trafford.

He emphasised mental strength during such times. “You have to be mentally strong,” he explained. “Support from those around you is crucial.” He added, “Leaving was difficult because I joined Manchester United.” The fierce Liverpool-Manchester rivalry amplified the challenge.

Despite the hostility, Rooney remained resolute. He stayed focused on his personal ambitions.

He maintained a defiant attitude. “I was always of a mindset of ‘I don’t care’,” Rooney shared. “I knew what I wanted. I knew how to achieve it.” He continued, “I had to stay tough mentally.” He acknowledged the difficulty. “These were people from my city. It was tough.” But he concluded, “You have to be selfish and make these decisions.”

Challenges for Young Footballers and Social Media

Rooney also discussed his 16-year-old son, Kai. Kai plays in Manchester United’s youth setup. Rooney observed increased pressures on young footballers today. This rise stems from social media.

“The key difference now is social media,” Rooney stated. “When I was young, I was only in local newspapers. Everyone in Liverpool knew me then.”

He contrasted this with Kai’s experience. “My son is on social media,” he explained. “He plays for United. He is sponsored by Puma.” Rooney highlighted the massive audience. “Hundreds of thousands, even millions, watch these young players,” he noted. “I didn’t have that exposure back then.”

Rooney emphasised the necessity of strong support. Young talents need a robust system around them.

He elaborated on the pressures. “As a young player, especially in the first team, you face constant judgment,” he said. “Whether fair or not, you are judged.” He stressed the importance of a support network. “You need people around you to keep you in a good place.”

He also advised families. They must help young players navigate social media pressures. “We can all get carried away with social media,” he warned. “It’s crucial that those closest to you have your best interests at heart.” He concluded, “That is the main thing.”