Rooney nearly joined Chelsea, says David Moyes
David Moyes has revealed that Chelsea were close to signing Wayne Rooney during his short tenure as Manchester United manager.
Moyes moved to the 13-time Premier League champions from Everton at the start of the 2013-14 season but failed to live up to the high standards set by his predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson.
I look at Wayne Rooney. I gave him his professional debut aged 16 and he’s now on the verge of breaking all Manchester United’s scoring records,’ Moyes told the Sunday Times.
‘It was only a short time ago that Wayne could have easily left United. But I always felt he was as good as any British player out there; wherever he plays, he’s a great footballer and, most importantly, he’ll always score goals.
‘Now, I’m delighted for Wayne, because Chelsea were close to taking him. Jose (Mourinho) was interested but we wouldn’t do any business.
‘I had to fight to make sure he stayed – and was at the heart again, of what Manchester United were going to be moving forward.’
Rooney has been a vital asset to Louis van Gaal’s United outfit this season and with his side on course for a place in the Champions League next season Rooney will not be wanting to go anywhere.