Wayne Rooney says son Kai is doing all he can to follow in his footsteps by forging a career in football.
The DC United head coach burst onto the scene at Everton aged just 16 before making a blockbuster £30million switch to Manchester United in 2004.
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Rooney is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest ever talents and was the nation’s top scoring player until Harry Kane surpassed him in March.
After leaving an indelible mark on the game, Rooney’s children appear determined to carry on the family legacy.
First up, is 13-year-old son Kai who has already made headlines for his goalscoring attributes after signing for Manchester United in 2020.
The youngster notched a staggering 56 goals and provided 28 assists in the 2021/22 season.
Rooney’s eldest son has already got coaches in Manchester United’s youth system excited at the prospect of what lies ahead for the youngster.
“He’s enjoying it,” Rooney proudly told The Athletic. “That’s the most important thing. He’s doing everything he can to try to have a career in football and not just him, my other children as well.
“They love the game and my advice — to any children — is play to enjoy. There’s that much pressure when you do get to the professional level and sometimes you forget why you’re playing the game.
“You’re playing because you love playing the game and you enjoy playing the game. As long as you’re doing everything right to give yourself the best opportunity then you never know.
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“Young players develop at different times and in different ways. He’s trying, he’s giving it a go and hopefully he can get to the level he wants.”
Kai set his sights high upon signing for the Red Devils and claimed his dad is his inspiration as he works to eventually earn himself a professional contract at the club.
“In ten years hopefully I will be playing in the Premier League for Man United …that’s where I see myself but I’ve got to make it happen with the hard work and everything behind the scenes,” he told SY Football.
“My dad helped me through some of the hard times and taught me a lot about the game,” Kai said when asked who his hero is. “Even just being in the car listening to him as a manager talking to all the players.”
