Wayne Rooney admitted he almost left Manchester United to join Barcelona and played with Lionel Messi and Co.
The former Manchester United striker, who won the Premier League five times under Sir Alex Ferguson, also revealed that Real Madrid and Chelsea are fighting for their own shooting percentage.
However, it was the idea that the main Barcelona team at Pep Guardiola dominated him most.
“When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I didn’t want to sign a new deal and make a transfer request, three clubs gave it to me,” Rooney said in an interview with BBC Sport.
“Manchester City is often talked about as one of them, but I think that’s impossible for me – the teams that take the attitude are Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.”
Rooney went on to explain that moving to Spain was a serious consideration for him and his family. Initially, the former Red Devil discussed the move to Real Madrid, but his attention drew more of Barcelona and how he could join world-class talent like Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets into their roster.
Wayne Rooney almost joined Barcelona in 2010
Imagine Peak Messi-David Villa-Rooney’s first three pic.twitter.com/tbnxqnnv40
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 1, 2025
He added: “In my mind, I was going to play in Spain and did give some speeches.”
“A deal with Real looks more likely in a few days, but I think of Barcelona and how I get to them with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.
“In the end, I decided to stay at Manchester United, but Barcelona had an incredible team at the time and any player would love to play.”
Rooney also admitted that at the time he thought the reason for starting from Old Trafford was that he was unsure of the direction of the club and his ability to win silverware.
He explained: “Winning the trophy is the biggest reason I am considering leaving Manchester United in 2010. I am about to turn 25 and I am worried about the direction of the club.”
Ultimately, Rooney finally chose to stay at Manchester United, where he will continue to consolidate his legacy as one of the greats in the history of the club and division.
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