Wayne Rooney has opened up about why Francis Jeffers leaving Everton in 2001 hit him so hard.
Rooney eventually followed his own path out of Goodison Park, signing for Manchester United a few years after Jeffers left.
Since then, the steady stream of homegrown talent at Everton has dried up, with players like Rooney and Jeffers becoming rarer on Merseyside.
Both players grew up in the same part of Liverpool, which only made Jeffers’ move to Arsenal feel even more personal for a young Rooney.
Wayne Rooney has spoken about how Francis Jeffers’ move away from Everton hit him hard
Rooney said he believed Jeffers had every bit as much ability as he did, having seen him play at Everton while coming through the ranks himself. He recalled the moment on The Wayne Rooney Show, describing how Jeffers’ 2001 exit left a lasting impact on him.
“Duncan [Ferguson] was always my hero and everything growing up,” said Rooney. “But then Franny was the one who I was always could like picture myself in because obviously where we’re from and so to to see him play for Everton and it was horrible when he left Everton that broke me, honestly.”
Jeffers returned to Everton on loan in 2003, giving them a chance to share the pitch together, while Ferguson and Kevin Campbell were also part of the squad. But his second spell didn’t live up to his early promise, with just two goals scored in the FA Cup during that time.
While Ferguson was always Rooney’s idol at Goodison Park, Jeffers held a different kind of importance for him, especially given their shared roots.
The club’s financial situation at the time meant they had little choice but to sell players. Looking back, Jeffers has said he wouldn’t have moved unless it was one of the top clubs making an offer.
“Listen, it wasn’t solely my decision to leave Everton Football Club,” Jeffers explained. “I do [regret leaving] a little bit. I do. I think it killed my career.”
