Wayne Rooney has shared exactly why Francis Jeffers’ departure from Everton broke him back in 2001.
It was only a few years later when Rooney made his own departure from Goodison Park to go and join Manchester United.
Everton’s production of academy players has come to a halt over recent years, with players like Jeffers and Rooney the last of a dying breed on Merseyside.
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Having been raised in the same area, Rooney and Jeffers shared a lot of similarities, which made his departure to Arsenal even more difficult to accept.
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Wayne Rooney was left broken by Francis Jeffers’ Everton exit
Rooney admitted Jeffers was just as talented as him having watched him play for Everton when he was coming through the ranks at Finch Farm.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the England legend admitted when Jeffers was sold in 2001, it broke him.
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“Duncan [Ferguson] was always my hero and everything growing up,” said Rooney.
“But then Franny was the one who I was always could like picture myself in because obviously where we’re from and so to to see him play for Everton and it was horrible when he left Everton that broke me, honestly.”
Jeffers did return to Everton on loan in 2003, where he was able to play alongside Rooney, with Ferguson and Kevin Campbell also at the club.
However, Jeffers was unable to hit the same heights that he did during his first stint, having only been able to return two goals in the FA Cup.
2003/04 Francis Jeffers Total
Appearances 22
Goals 2
Assists 0
Duncan Ferguson was Rooney’s Everton hero, but the opportunity to play alongside someone from the same background is what made Jeffers so special to Rooney.
There can be no hard feelings as Everton were forced into player sales at the time, with Jeffers admitting he would not have left if it wasn’t for one of the top, top sides.
“Listen, it wasn’t solely my decision to leave Everton Football Club,” Jeffers said.
“I do [regret leaving] a little bit. I do. I think it killed my career.”
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