'I knew Wayne Rooney when he was a teen - his true colours were clear'
Wayne Rooney took many people aback with his talent when he burst onto the scene at 16 with Everton, with a former club physio revealing the traits that marked him as a future star
When Wayne Rooney broke into Everton 's first-team at the age of just 16, many were shocked by the extent of the youngster's talents. The striker quickly made his name in football with a famous late winner for Everton against Arsenal in the Premier League in October 2002 after emerging through the club's academy.
Rooney's impact for his boyhood team was instant and he enjoyed two impressive breakthrough seasons in Merseyside, as well as a stunning Euro 2004 campaign with England, before leaving for Manchester United. Rooney went on to win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League trophy at the club, becoming the side's all-time top goal scorer.
He returned to Everton towards the end of his career before retiring in 2021 and moving into management with Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. It's now more than 22 years since Rooney grabbed the attention of everyone inside Goodison Park with that wonder goal against Arsenal.
One person watching from the touchline that day was unsurprised by how coolly Rooney took his chance. Former Everton physio Mick Rathbone is someone who got to see first-hand what he was like behind the scenes.
The ex-Birmingham, Blackburn and Preston defender opened up on the traits which made Rooney destined for the top in his memoir, The Smell of Football.
Rathbone wrote: "I have had so many high spots in my career, but being able to say I worked with Wayne is probably the top one. Everybody knows about him as a player, but I was lucky enough to know him as a lad.
"He is a very modest, polite young man, always courteous, always on time, hard-working, very bright and switched on. What sets these once-in-a-generation players apart from the rest?
"Obviously, much of it is natural ability and athleticism but lots of players are talented and athletic. With Wayne it was those things and - contrary to what many people think - the most incredible, unflappable temperament."
Rathbone said he first gained an understanding of Rooney's calm nature after observing his behaviour ahead of his first Merseyside derby match at Goodison Park in April 2003. He said the young forward's relaxed demeanour was in stark contrast to his own and a sign that he was meant to make it big.
Rathbone said: "I remember about 30 minutes before...he came into the medical room and started juggling the ball and generally larking about. He was laughing and clowning around. I couldn't believe how relaxed he was.
"I was sh*****g myself, as you would no doubt expect, even though I was only the physio, because the Merseyside derby is a big, big game.
"I was fascinated to get an insight into how he really felt, remembering when I was 17 years of age and about to cross the white line. That was it then, in a nutshell. Born to be great, born to play at the highest level."
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