Wayne Rooney has revealed the reasons behind his decision to break Evertonian hearts by signing for Manchester United yesterday.
Whilst stressing his affection for the club he supported as a boy, it would appear that the lure of the big stage was too much for Rooney to turn down.
“After Euro 2004 I made up my mind that I had to get to a bigger club,” he said. “I wanted to play with the big players week in, week out.
“It was difficult because I’ve supported Everton all my life and playing for them for two years made it more difficult but when United came in for me and there was the possibility of Champions League football I had to go for it,” said Rooney.
“It has been a tough week for everybody connected to me. Once I knew United were in for me there was only one club for me. I very excited, the players that play here are unbelievable” he added.
One man who will be equally excited is United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who spoke of the club’s decision to make Rooney the most expensive teenager in world football.
“If Newcastle hadn’t come in with an offer, we probably wouldn’t have come in.” Said Ferguson.
“We didn’t think he was available. But once we knew Everton were talking to another club, we had to do something. His age is a great thing. And Manchester United couldn’t afford to miss him.”
Rooney is set for a baptism of fire, with the mouth-watering prospect of a home debut against Liverpool on September 20th
