"I got death threats, Rooney said. My parents' house was getting spray painted and smashed up. My girlfriend at the time, wife now, her house was getting spray painted. I think that's where you have to be mentally strong. The people around you have to help. Leaving was difficult because I went to Manchester United, and Liverpool and Manchester was a big rivalry so that made it a lot more difficult."
"Rooney left Goodison Park in the summer of 2004 and it seemed clear at the time that the move did not go down at all well with Everton fans. Toffees supporters would always boo Rooney on his return to playing at their ground, and off the pitch things were even worse. 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."
Wayne Rooney progressed from Everton's academy to the first team before making a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2004. The transfer provoked strong backlash from Everton supporters, who booed him on returns to Goodison Park and targeted his family and partner with vandalism. Rooney reported receiving death threats and described having to be mentally strong and selfish to pursue his career amid intense local rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United. Rooney maintained focus on his goals and later rejoined Everton in 2017, scoring 11 goals in 40 appearances.
Read at www.caughtoffside.com
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