Overview

• Rooney said he never won a Merseyside derby during his Everton spells, estimating seven appearances without a victory.
• He described the week-long build-up as “horrible,” saying he felt sick and even had TVs switched off to avoid coverage before games.
• He recounted locking his wife, Coleen, out of their old house after she put Liverpool flags up when the club won the 2019–20 Premier League, adding she was not outside for long.
• Despite friendship off the pitch, Rooney said he went into matches intent on physically challenging Steven Gerrard, who he called a fellow “big player.”
• He said Jamie Carragher constantly talked to influence officials and opponents, recalling the defender’s “squeaky voice” in his ear throughout matches.