It’s been six years since he bowed out of international football, but it seems Wayne Rooney is failing to accept that his star is no longer the brightest – especially as his eldest son Kai is making waves himself in the sporting world.
Kai, 14, is following in his dad’s footsteps as a promising talent for Manchester United’s youth team and is already on the brink of becoming a millionaire in his own right after inking a deal with sportswear brand Puma.
And while mum Coleen is throwing all of her support behind her firstborn, an insider tells heat she’s getting fed up with Wayne’s fixation on his managerial career – despite his current spell at Plymouth Arygle not being as fruitful as Kai’s early playing career.
Our source says, "Coleen’s actually quite annoyed with Wayne. She’s baffled that he seems to exist in his own little world, thinking just of himself and his career – and she’s told him to snap out of it. She thinks it’s time he took a reality check and realised that his career is now winding down."
The source continues, "Wayne gets very grumpy when he hears that – he’s used to being the star of the show. But now the household is more focused on Kai and [second-eldest son] Klay, too, as he’s also showing signs of being a talented player.”
It was reported earlier this year that Wayne had been tempted by a big-money deal in Saudi Arabia to head up a team in their Pro League, and we’re told he’s struggling to let it go.
"Wayne is still talking about the chance to go to Saudi, but Coleen has given him a firm 'no'," our source says. "As far as she’s concerned, he’s had his time in the spotlight, now it’s about the kids and Coleen is very clear that, when it comes to football careers in the family, her focus is on Kai, who’s really making name for himself and is generating a lot of professional interest.
The source adds, "Of course, Coleen supports Wayne and believes he can do a great job as a manager and get the recognition he deserves but, at the same time, he needs to get over himself and concentrate on being a mentor to Kai."
In their first game of this season, Plymouth Argyle suffered a devastating 4-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday and, we’re told, Wayne is naturally not loving being on the losing team.
"It’s understandably hard enough dealing with the fact your star is no longer on the rise, but to be doing that at the same time as your sons are being catapulted to sporting fame is a double blow," says our insider. "Wayne is, of course, proud of Kai, but there has been a bit of sulkiness from him, not to mention some grouchiness and being difficult. Coleen is pretty frustrated – she’s not one for putting up with his moodiness and self-centred behaviour. She tells him he’s had it good for more than 20 years, and to get over himself."
At the height of his fame, Wayne was reported to be making over £2.5million a year purely from sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Coca-Cola, and Kai is hot on his heels in the endorsements department too, but we’re told Coleen is trying hard to keep his feet on the ground.
"[Puma] signed up Kai early as there was a lot of talk about his potential and football insiders say it’s only a matter of time before he emulates his dad and becomes a huge star," says the source.
"Coleen is so proud of Kai, but she’s working hard to keep him grounded. She’s very much involved with Kai’s career and accompanies him on all the shoots – she won’t let anybody take advantage of him. If Coleen had her way, the boys wouldn’t be going into football, but Kai loves it and is good, so she has no choice. She’s just making sure he is protected and doesn’t get caught up in the crazier side of it."
