Wayne Rooney’s Near Move to Barcelona: A Tale of What Could Have Been
In a revelation that has left football fans buzzing, Wayne Rooney, the legendary English forward, has shared that he was on the brink of joining Barcelona back in 2010. Imagine the prospect of Rooney linking up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta at the iconic Camp Nou. It’s a tantalizing thought for any football enthusiast.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner, disclosed that not only Barcelona but also Real Madrid and Chelsea were vying for his signature. However, it was the allure of playing for Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side that tempted him the most.
Rooney recounted, “When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, three clubs came in for me.”
He continued, “Manchester City are often talked about as being one of them, but I don’t think that was ever an option for me — the teams who made an approach were Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.”
Rooney was candid about his mindset at the time, saying, “In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place.”
He elaborated, “A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days but it was Barcelona whom I thought about the most, and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.”
Ultimately, Rooney decided to stay at United, but he admitted, “Barça had an incredible team then and any player would have loved to have played in it.”
Reflecting on his decision, Rooney added, “Winning trophies was the biggest reason I considered leaving United in 2010. I was about to turn 25 and I was concerned about the direction of the club.”
Key Points from Rooney’s Revelation:
- Rooney was close to joining Barcelona in 2010.
- Real Madrid and Chelsea were also interested in signing him.
- Rooney was tempted by the prospect of playing alongside Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta.
- Concerns about Manchester United’s direction influenced his consideration to leave.
- Ultimately, Rooney chose to remain at Manchester United.
Rooney’s revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of football transfers and the decisions that shape a player’s career. The thought of him donning the Barcelona jersey and playing alongside some of the greatest players of that era is a captivating “what if” scenario. While Rooney’s career at Manchester United was nothing short of legendary, it’s intriguing to ponder how his career might have unfolded had he made the move to Spain.
For fans and pundits alike, this story serves as a reminder of the complex decisions and considerations that top players face in their careers. Rooney’s honesty about his thought process and the factors that influenced his decision adds depth to our understanding of the football world.
Originally Written by: ESPN
