Imagine watching your favorite soap opera and getting a call that changes your life! That’s exactly what happened to Wayne Rooney when Paul Scholes rang him about joining Manchester United. From Everton’s emotional farewells to wearing his wife’s cousin’s jumper, his transfer was pure drama. What’s the most unexpected call you’ve ever received?

The football world often witnesses transfers shrouded in intense speculation and dramatic last-minute deals, but few begin with a phone call as unexpected as the one Wayne Rooney received from Paul Scholes. While still a teenager at Everton, Rooney found himself engrossed in an episode of Coronation Street when his house phone rang, connecting him directly to a Manchester United legend intent on luring him to Old Trafford.

This surprising overture from Scholes set in motion a chain of events that would culminate in one of the Premier League’s most significant transfers. Rooney recounted how Scholes, with a directness characteristic of the midfielder, simply asked, “Wazza, it’s Scholesy… are you going to sign for us or what?” This casual yet impactful inquiry left the young striker momentarily stunned, pondering the gravity of the situation unfolding during his evening relaxation.

Despite the immediate interest, Sir Alex Ferguson, the formidable Manchester United manager, initially preferred to wait an additional year before bringing Rooney to the club. However, the relentless pursuit and the player’s burgeoning talent made it clear that delaying the inevitable was not a viable option. The move became a priority, setting the stage for a tense deadline day.

The transfer saga intensified on the final day, marked by an emotionally charged standoff with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright. Kenwright, deeply sentimental about a local Liverpool lad playing for Everton, initially refused to release the necessary forms. Rooney vividly recalled Kenwright even putting his mother on the phone to him, followed by the chairman himself, who was audibly crying down the line, highlighting the profound emotional ties involved in the deal.

Such was the whirlwind nature of the transfer that Rooney, arriving at Old Trafford, found himself in need of appropriate attire. In a lighthearted anecdote, he revealed that the deal materialized so rapidly he ended up wearing his wife Coleen’s cousin’s jumper for his unveiling, a testament to the unforeseen circumstances surrounding his dramatic switch from Everton to Manchester United.

Years later, in 2013, Rooney nearly departed Old Trafford when Chelsea mounted a serious bid for his services. The London club’s offer reportedly included both Fernando Torres and Ramires, demonstrating their strong desire to secure the England international. Rooney admitted he was “very close” to joining José Mourinho’s side, underscoring another pivotal moment in his illustrious career.

Beyond the pitch, Rooney has embarked on new challenges, including undertaking his coaching badges. This pursuit led to a particularly memorable and unexpected task: performing a song from Les Misérables alongside his coursemates and the show’s cast. This experience offered a stark contrast to the pressures of elite English football, showcasing a different facet of the former striker’s life.

Wayne Rooney’s journey from a Coronation Street viewer to a Manchester United icon, punctuated by unexpected calls, emotional goodbyes, and dramatic transfer sagas, truly encapsulates the unpredictable and often theatrical world of top-tier football. His career remains a testament to both raw talent and the intricate human drama behind the beautiful game.