Everton Want To Keep Rooney

By Matthew Jones
August 26 2004

Everton boss David Moyes will make the final decision over striker Wayne Rooney's future but chairman Bill Kenwright wants to keep the player. Despite both Newcastle and Manchester United bidding £20m+ for the player, Kenwright is confident that he can keep his prize asset.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Kenwright said:

"Wayne Rooney is my favourite player in the world and I know what I have read in the papers and I know there is lots of talking to be done.

"I would love nothing more than to see him remain with us at Goodison Park.

"Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager. It's the manager's final decision.

"There seems to be an inevitability about the fact that Wayne Rooney will be playing somewhere else.

"I would love him to be at Everton when he's a grandad. I can't tell you if he will be at Everton next week.

"We don't need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him.

"I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net.

"If I've seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Evertonians."