Coleen Rooney has revealed that her son Kai could have pursued hip-hop dancing but ultimately decided to follow his dad Wayne's footsteps and play football professionally. The 16-year-old currently plays for Manchester United's Under-18s, where he aspires to eventually earn a place in the first team and emulate his legendary father's achievements at Old Trafford.
A challenging path at Old Trafford
That is no small challenge, considering Rooney senior is United's record goal-scorer who won 16 trophies with the club. But the teenager is forging his own path with the Reds since returning to the club's academy ranks at the age of 11.
The youngster recently reached a significant career landmark, putting pen to paper on a first-year scholarship deal with United which will enable him to continue his education while pursuing a career in football. Yet, his mother recalls a period where the gifted forward's future was less clear.
Dancing dilemma
Coleen explained during a recent on-air conversation with Hits Radio that Kai, the oldest of her four boys, might well have pursued a career in hip-hop dancing as an alternative. She told a story from his childhood where he ultimately picked a route in football, like Wayne, though she briefly questioned that decision when he started performing Michael Jackson's dance moves on the pitch.
She recalled: "When Kai was younger he loved dancing. He was in an all-boys hip-hop dance group and it came to the crunch because he had to decide between dancing and football because they all happened on the same day."
"One time, he was in goal, I just looked around and he had one glove on doing the Michael Jackson dance in goal. I was thinking, 'Why? Is he wasting my time?'"
"However, the coach was like, 'As long as he enjoys his time here, just keep bringing him. It's fine.' And look how it's turned out now."
Father's pride
Meanwhile, Wayne added: "I'm so proud watching him. We've never pushed him to go into football, it's what he wants to do. I grew up in a council estate in Liverpool with that desire and hunger to become a footballer."
"He's grown up in a different area and a different time, a bit more privileged with what we can give him. But the fact he's got that hunger and desire to go and play football, I'm so proud. And he's done well, he's got a long term contract with the club."
The next crucial milestone in Rooney's career will be signing a professional deal when he reaches 17. He suffered a significant setback towards the end of last season when an injury ruled him out of United's FA Youth Cup final, which they went on to lose to local rivals Man City.
