In a stunning revelation that left his fellow pundits momentarily speechless, football legend Wayne Rooney has disclosed the enormous value of his biggest Manchester United contract during a candid discussion on the Stick to Football show.
The Eye-Opening Contract Revelation
During an engaging conversation about notable deals from their playing careers, Rooney shared that his most lucrative agreement with Manchester United was worth an astonishing £17 million per year. The disclosure created a palpable silence among fellow ex-professionals Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane, who were clearly taken aback by the figures involved.
The former United captain put pen to paper on this landmark five-and-a-half-year deal in 2014, which reportedly provided him with a weekly wage of approximately £300,000. This comprehensive agreement not only covered his playing commitments but also included commercial rights and ambassadorial responsibilities extending beyond his active career.
Stark Contrast With Teammates' Earnings
The sheer scale of Rooney's earnings became even more remarkable when compared to his colleagues' contracts. Gary Neville, discussing his own arrangements during his twenty-year tenure at Old Trafford, realised with Jamie Carragher's assistance that he had been significantly underpaid by modern standards.
Neville's basic salary ranged from £1.75 million to £2.25 million – a figure that represents less than a tenth of what Rooney would later command. The former defender joked that he now wished he had employed an agent during his negotiations with the club.
Elsewhere in the discussion, Carragher revealed his most valuable contract was around £3 million, largely boosted by performance bonuses following Liverpool's memorable 2005 Champions League victory. Roy Keane stated he earned approximately £5 million at his peak, quickly attributing the higher figure to being a better player, obviously, though he acknowledged even his substantial earnings seemed modest compared to contemporary standards.
Explaining The Financial Evolution
The dramatic disparity in earnings can be largely explained by the substantial increase in Premier League investment as Rooney approached the conclusion of his career. While nobody questioned Rooney's worth to both Manchester United and England, given his exceptional ability and consistent importance, the financial gap between generations of football legends remained noteworthy.
Rooney's phenomenal record at United certainly justified significant compensation – he remains the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 250 goals in 559 appearances across thirteen seasons. During his distinguished tenure, he secured five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, three League Cups and the Europa League.
Neville reflected on his different approach to contracts, stating money was never a focus for me and explaining he preferred longer-term security over shorter deals with higher immediate rewards.
