WAYNE ROONEY revealed he almost joined CHELSEA in 2004 – before finding out their plan to loan him back out.
Rooney had two breakout seasons with Everton before becoming a regular for England.
Wayne Rooney almost joined Chelsea in 2004[/caption]
He went into Euro 2004 as a hot commodity and without knowing was on the verge of signing for Chelsea.
Rooney told the BBC: “When we were at the Euros at Euro 2004, Everton had agreed a deal with Chelsea for me to sign for them and I had no knowledge of that whatsoever.
“And then my agent then went and spoke to (Roman) Abramovich and their team basically and they said, yeah, they wanted to sign me, then send me out on loan to Middlesbrough. It was like, no chance!
“To be honest, me going to London at that time, it just didn’t make sense at all.
“So, the minute I knew Manchester United were interested in me that was the only place I was going to go, really.”
Rooney revealed Abramovich was a fan of Steve McClaren – managing Boro at the time – so wanted the player to get experience under him.
But the England star instead signed for United on deadline day in 2004 for £27million – becoming a legend at the club.
He spent 13 seasons at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles and lifting the Champions League in 2008.
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But it was not always smiles at United under Sir Alex.
Rooney twice tried to leave the club – in 2010 and then three years later – when Jose Mourinho wanted to again sign him for Chelsea.
The Prem great revealed: “I think they said to Chelsea that they wanted £44m for me and Chelsea didn’t get to the £44m.
“And then I think they were offering Torres and Ramires as well as money to Manchester United and they didn’t take it.
“But that was quite close. I spoke to Jose a few times.”
Rooney stayed at United before leaving in 2017 to return to Everton for a year, joining DC United in MLS in 2018 for a season.
The former Three Lions skipper finished his playing career at Derby in 2021 after a season and went into coaching.
Rooney has had spells with Derby, DC United, Birmingham and most recently Plymouth, who sacked him in December.
The 39-year-old is yet to return to management – since joining Match of The Day as a pundit regular.
Rooney was a 2008 Champions League winner with United[/caption]
Rooney, battling Eden Hazard, was also wanted by Chelsea in 2013[/caption]
He was sacked by Plymouth in December[/caption]