Wayne Rooney admits that he left Manchester United almost to Barcelona

Wayne Rooney admits that he left Manchester United almost to join Barcelona in 2010 to play alongside Lionel Messi and his partners.

Former Manchester United striker, who won the Premier League five times under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson, revealed that both Real Madrid and Chelsea are competing for his signature at the height of his strength.

However, it was the idea of ​​playing under the dominant Barcelona team from the Pep Guardiola team that caused more attention.

“When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I do not want to sign a new deal and put a transfer request, three clubs came to me,” Rooney said in an interview with the BBC Sport.

“It is often talked about Manchester City as one of them, but I do not think this was a choice for me – the difference that took the approach was Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.”

Rooney went on to explain that the transition to Spain was a serious consideration for him and his family. Initially, the former Red Devil discussed a transfer to Real Madrid, but his attention had drawn his attention to Barcelona and how it could match the squad of the team alongside global talents such as Messi, Iniesta, Cavio, and Sergio Busquets.

Wayne Rooney joined Barcelona in 2010 🤯

Imagine that three peaks from the peak Feli Rayyouni 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tbnxqnnv40

– Espn FC (ESPNFC) April 1, 2025

“In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and achieved some talks,” he added.

“A deal with Real Madrid seemed more likely for a few days, but it was Barcelona that I thought more than others, and how I can match their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Cavio and Sergio Busquets.

“In the end, I decided to stay in United, but Barcelona had an incredible team at that time and any player he liked to play in.”

Rooney also admitted that the reason was that he is a departure from Old Trafford at the time that he is not sure of the club’s direction and his ability to win silver.

“The winning was the biggest reason I thought about leaving United in 2010. I was about to be 25 years old and I was worried about the club’s direction,” I explained.

Ultimately, Rooney ended with the choice of staying with Manchester United, as he will continue to establish his legacy as one of the club’s greats and the oath at all.