Wayne Rooney has hit out at the “disappointing” way in which Everton ended his second spell at the club back in 2018.
The 40-year-old England legend has admitted he felt that Everton pursued his exit behind his back as they opened discussions with clubs.
Rooney spent two stints on Merseyside, but he admitted he was forced to say “I’m not stupid” to those behind the scenes when he heard rumblings of a move.
Ironically, Rooney has opened himself to an Everton return as he’s claimed he would love to become a coach at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
How would you feel about Wayne Rooney joining Moyes’ staff at Everton? 🤔
Everton icon Wayne Rooney.
The Everton academy product was not impressed with the manner in which he found out about his possible departure from the newspaper headlines.
Rooney’s comments will only raise further questions of the Farhad Moshiri era at Everton with Marcel Brands in the role as director of football.
FBL-EUR-C1-INTER-ARSENAL
Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney left disappointed by Everton exit in 2018
Marco Silva was the manager at Everton when the decision was made to allow Rooney to depart for MLS side D.C. United.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Rooney admitted he loved his return to Everton, with his hat-trick at Goodison Park one of his favourite memories.
However, speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Rooney has described exactly how his exit from Merseyside came about.
Where would you rank Wayne Rooney among Everton’s best-ever players?
Rooney burst onto the scene, but spent his best years away from Merseyside…
An overview of Wayne Rooney's career for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Dodd – CameraSport.
“Yeah, I’d seen it a few times in the newspaper [links to DC United] and then we played Swansea. We played Swansea away. And one of the guys from DC, obviously it’s the same owners as DC, Swansea,” he said.
“I’d been on to Paul [Stretford, his agent] to say that someone from Everton, which I won’t name, had been in touch asking if they’d want to take me. So then obviously we knew where it came from then.
“So I was a bit disappointed when I went in, just said, listen, I’m not 18. I’m towards the end of my career, I’m not stupid. You could just come to me and then let’s work it out that way. So yeah, it was a bit disappointing.”
Rooney argued with David Moyes during his first Everton spell, but he was clearly left extremely upset with the way in which his second stint ended.
Wayne Rooney still visits Everton despite his disappointing exit
Over recent months, Rooney’s affinity with Everton Football Club has been evident as he takes a break from management.
Rooney visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton vs Fulham, where he got to witness a strong display from the Blues.
Even behind the scenes, one of Rooney’s kids is currently playing for the Everton academy.
After a recent visit from some of the senior players, Rooney hailed Jack Grealish for his support of Everton’s academy.
Rooney is still very much someone who has a strong love for the club that made him.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox