Wayne Rooney admits that he almost left Manchester United for Barcelona

Wayne Rooney admits that he almost left Manchester United to join Barcelona in 2010 to play with Lionel Messi and company

The former Manchester United striker, who won the Premier League five times Bajo Alex Ferguson, also revealed that both Real Madrid and Chelsea were competing for their firm at the top of their powers.

However, it was the idea of ​​playing under the dominant team of Barcelona of Pep Guardiola that most intrigued him.

“When I told Manchester United in 2010 that he did not want to sign a new agreement and put a transfer application, three clubs came for me,” Rooney said in an interview with BBC Sport.

“We often talk about Manchester City as one of them, but I don’t think that is an option for me: the teams that approached were Chelsea, Real and Barcelona.”

Rooney continued to explain that moving to Spain was a serious consideration for him and his family. Initially, the former red demon discussed a movement towards Real Madrid, but his attention was called Barcelona more and how he could fit in his alignment along with world -class talents such as Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

Wayne Rooney almost joined Barcelona in 2010 🤯

Imagine a three front Messi-David Villa-Roney 🔥 peak 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tbnxqnnv40

– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 1, 2025

“In my head, I was ready to play in Spain and some conversations took place,” he added.

“An agreement with Real seemed more likely for a couple of days, but it was Barcelona who I thought most, and how I could fit on its side with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.

“In the end I decided to stay in United, but Barça had an incredible team at that time any player would have loved having played in him.”

Rooney also admitted that the reason he considered a deviation from Old Trafford at that time was that he was not sure in the club’s direction and his ability to win cutlery.

“Winning the trophies was the main reason why I considered leaving United in 2010. I was about to turn 25 and worried about the club’s address,” he explained.

Finally, Rooney ended up choosing to remain with Manchester United, where he would continue to consolidate his legacy as one of the great of all time of the club and the division.