WAYNE ROONEY has shared a hilarious chat he had with Sir Bobby Robson when he tried to sign him for Newcastle.
In the summer of 2004 the England legend was caught up in a transfer tussle between Toon and Manchester United.
He was in high demand after scoring 17 goals in 77 games as a teenager for Everton.
Rooney, 40, revealed he was open to joining Newcastle so he spoke to two club icons – Robson and Alan Shearer, who was still playing at St James’ Park at the time.
He said on The Wayne Rooney Show: “I would have certainly went [to Newcastle].
“Manchester United wanted to wait a season and then sign me the year after they did sign me. Newcastle put a bid in and if Manchester United hadn’t come in, I would have gone to Newcastle.
“Those two were bidding against each other. My agent’s best mate was chairman at Newcastle at the time! So I’m sure he was getting nudged to try to get me as well.
“I wanted to go to Manchester United, but I spoke with Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer.
“In true Bobby Robson style he on the phone he called me ‘Mark’.
“I thought he had either forgotten my name or he was a genius – because that’s my middle name.”
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Rooney opted to sign for United instead and the rest is history – he is the Red Devils’ top scorer with 253 goals.
He won 13 trophies for the club and has taken several life lessons from his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
He added: “I always remember one thing he said – ‘the hardest thing to do in life is work hard’.
“That stuck with me. Whatever job you’re doing, that can apply to anything.
“In football we have talent, we have ability but sometimes we don’t look at working hard every day.
“You think that’s normal but some players don’t [work hard].
“I’ve robbed a few of them [Fergie’s lines].”
