Wayne Rooney was very close to joining Chelsea, says David Moyes

David Moyes had to fight to keep Wayne Rooney at Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that current captain Wayne Rooney was very close to joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2013. He also said that he had to fight to keep Rooney at United.

Moyes’ much-publicised reign at the Old Trafford outfit began with him having to convince the English striker that his future is at United. The current manager of Real Sociedad, Moyes was also involved in a public falling-out with Rooney chose to join Manchester United from Everton in 2004.

“Chelsea were very close but we weren’t interested in doing any business”

Talking about the whole transfer saga involving Chelsea, he said, "I look at Wayne Rooney. I gave him his professional debut aged 16 and he's now on the verge of breaking all Manchester United's scoring records."

'It was only a short time ago that Wayne could have easily left United. But I always felt he was as good as any British player out there; wherever he plays, he's a great footballer and, most importantly, he'll always score goals.”

“Now, I'm delighted for Wayne because Chelsea were close to taking him. Jose [Mourinho] was interested but we wouldn't do any business."

Although Chelsea tried their best to secure Rooney’s signature, he eventually chose to stay at Old Trafford and is now the captain of both the United team and the England team.