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Wayne Rooney Says He Received Death Threats After 2004 Move to Manchester United

He shares the account on a new BBC Sport podcast spotlighting formative influences, including letters to Duncan Ferguson.

Overview

  • Rooney says homes belonging to his parents and then‑girlfriend were spray painted and damaged after he left Everton for Manchester United.
  • He moved in 2004 for a reported £27 million after rejecting a club‑record contract offer from Everton.
  • He recalls writing to Duncan Ferguson during the striker’s 1995 prison term and says Ferguson wrote back.
  • Rooney contrasts past pressures with today’s social media scrutiny, citing his 16‑year‑old son Kai at Manchester United and a Puma sponsorship.
  • He adds that the Liverpool–Manchester rivalry sharpened the reaction to his decision and stresses the need for mental resilience and support.