Wayne Rooney has shared candid details about the intense personal toll of his 2004 transfer from boyhood club Everton to Manchester United, revealing he received death threats while his parents’ and then-girlfriend Coleen’s homes were repeatedly vandalized with spray paint and damage.

The former England captain, now 40, discussed the episode on the latest installment of BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, highlighting the mental resilience required during a pivotal moment in his career. At age 18, Rooney completed a £27 million move to Old Trafford after rejecting a record contract offer from Everton, a decision that sparked significant discontent among sections of the Toffees’ supporter base.

“I got death threats,” Rooney recounted. “My parents’ house was getting spray painted and smashed up. My girlfriend at the time, wife now, her house was getting spray painted.” He emphasized the need for strong support networks, adding, “I think that’s where you have to be mentally strong. The people around you have to help.”

The switch carried added weight due to the historic rivalry between Liverpool – Everton’s city neighbors – and Manchester United, amplifying local tensions. “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 explained. Despite the hostility originating from his hometown of Liverpool, he adopted a determined mindset: “I was always of a mindset of ‘I don’t care.’ I knew what I wanted and I knew how to get there. I had to stay tough in my mind.”

Rooney’s breakout at Everton came swiftly. Joining the academy as a youngster, he debuted for the first team at 16 in 2002, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent. His stunning goal against Arsenal shortly before turning 17 – a curling effort from distance that ended the Gunners’ long unbeaten run – announced him on the national stage. By Euro 2004, where he starred for England at 18, major clubs circled, with United under Sir Alex Ferguson securing his signature.

The transfer fee set a world record for a teenager, underscoring the expectations placed on Rooney. Yet the departure from Goodison Park, where he had worn a “Once a blue, always a blue” t-shirt as a symbol of loyalty, left many fans feeling let down. Reports from the time described boos upon his returns and lingering resentment, though Rooney later reconciled somewhat by rejoining Everton in 2017 for a single season.

Coleen Rooney, his wife, has previously touched on the fallout in interviews, noting how Sir Alex Ferguson advised them to relocate from Liverpool for safety reasons. The couple faced scrutiny, with families bearing much of the brunt while Wayne focused on settling at United.

At Old Trafford, Rooney flourished, spending 13 seasons and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances. He claimed five Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2008, and numerous individual accolades, partnering with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and forming part of Ferguson’s dominant era.

Reflecting on the era, Rooney contrasted it with today’s landscape. “Now the difference is social media,” he noted, referencing his 16-year-old son Kai, who plays in United’s academy. “When I was young, I was in the local newspapers and so everyone in Liverpool really knew me. Now I have it with my boy… there’s hundreds of thousands or millions of people watching them when they’re that young, and I didn’t have that really.”

He stressed the importance of support systems for emerging talents: “Rightly or wrongly, you get judged and that’s where you need the people around you, people at the club or your family to keep you in a good place.”

Rooney’s early idolization of Everton figures like Duncan Ferguson adds layers to his story. As a child, he wrote letters to Ferguson during the striker’s brief jail term in 1995 for an on-pitch incident at previous club Rangers. Ferguson later drove young Rooney home from training, a gesture that thrilled his Evertonian family.

The 2004 move marked the end of Rooney’s initial Everton chapter after 77 appearances and 17 goals. His United tenure solidified his legacy, including iconic moments like the overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011.

Post-retirement, Rooney has transitioned into management and media, with stints at Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. His podcast appearances offer insights into football’s evolving pressures.

The revelations underscore the emotional stakes of high-profile transfers, particularly for homegrown players. While fan passion drives the sport, extremes highlight challenges for athletes navigating career ambitions amid local loyalties.

Rooney’s resilience paid off, leading to a trophy-laden career and England records, including most goals until surpassed by Harry Kane. His return to Everton in 2017, scoring 11 times in 40 games, suggested bridges mended over time.

As young players like Kai navigate academies under global scrutiny, Rooney’s experiences serve as a reminder of football’s personal demands. Support from family and clubs remains key in an era amplified by digital platforms.

The episode also featured lighter anecdotes, like Ferguson’s chauffeur role, balancing the heavier themes.

Fans across divides appreciate Rooney’s contributions, with United supporters cherishing his era and Evertonians recalling his prodigy days.

In a sport where loyalty debates rage, Rooney’s path illustrates the complexities of ambition versus roots.