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Wayne Rooney admits he practically left Manchester United to affix Barcelona in 2010 to play alongside Lionel Messi and Co.
The previous Manchester United ahead, who gained the Premier League 5 instances beneath Sir Alex Ferguson, additionally revealed that each Actual Madrid and Chelsea have been vying for his signature on the peak of his powers.
Nevertheless, it was the concept of enjoying beneath Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona facet that intrigued him probably the most.
“After I advised Manchester United in 2010 that I didn’t wish to signal a brand new deal and put in a switch request, three golf equipment got here in for me,” Rooney stated in an interview with BBC Sport.
“Manchester Metropolis are sometimes talked about as being one in all them, however I don’t suppose that was ever an choice for me — the groups who made an method have been Chelsea, Actual and Barcelona.”
Rooney went on to clarify that transferring to Spain was a severe consideration for him and his household. Initially, the ex-Purple Satan mentioned a transfer to Actual Madrid, however his consideration was drawn extra to Barcelona and the way he may doubtlessly match into their line-up alongside world-class abilities similar to Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets.
Wayne Rooney virtually joined Barcelona in 2010 🤯
Think about a entrance three of peak Messi-David Villa-Rooney 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tbnXqNNv40
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 1, 2025
“In my head, I used to be able to go and play in Spain and a few talks did happen,” he added.
“A cope with Actual regarded extra doubtless for a few days but it surely was Barcelona whom I considered probably the most, and the way I would match into their facet alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.
“Ultimately I made a decision to remain at United, however Barca had an unimaginable crew then and any participant would have beloved to have performed in it.”
Rooney additionally admitted that the rationale he thought of a departure from Previous Trafford on the time was that he was not sure on membership’s route and its capability to win silverware.
“Profitable trophies was the most important purpose I thought of leaving United in 2010. I used to be about to show 25 and I used to be involved in regards to the route of the membership,” he defined.
Finally, Rooney ended up selecting to stay with Manchester United, the place he would go on to additional cement his legacy as one of many membership’s and division’s all-time greats.
