Wayne Rooney’s earnings during his peak years at Manchester United have recently come to light, astonishing fans and former teammates alike. The legendary striker disclosed on The Overlap podcast that he received an annual salary of £17 million during his prime.
Details of Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United Contract
This staggering figure equates to over £300,000 per week, a salary he earned after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal in 2014. At the time, Rooney was transitioning from 28 to 29 years old. The contract not only secured his financial future but also involved commercial rights and responsibilities as an ambassador for the club.
Gary Neville’s Reaction
Rooney’s revelation left Gary Neville, his former teammate, in disbelief. Neville, who earned a salary of £1.75 million a year, expressed his shock by jokingly suggesting he should have negotiated for a higher pay.
- Rooney’s Peak Salary: £17 million per year
- Weekly Earnings: Over £300,000
- Contract Length: Five-and-a-half years
- Neville’s Salary: Started at £1.75 million, increased to £2.25 million
Rooney’s prior contract, which paid £250,000 a week, was nearing expiration when he decided to extend his term at Old Trafford. His decision followed a turbulent period where Sir Alex Ferguson indicated Rooney had requested a transfer.
Comparative Salaries Among Premier League Legends
During the podcast, Rooney’s former colleagues compared their respective earnings. Jamie Carragher mentioned his biggest contract was approximately £3 million, chiefly bolstered by performance bonuses linked to Liverpool’s success in the 2005 Champions League. Meanwhile, Roy Keane claimed he earned about £5 million at his peak, highlighting the varying financial landscapes among top Premier League players.
Rooney’s financial success during his career at Manchester United not only marks him as a football icon but also showcases the escalating values of player contracts in modern football.
