Wayne Rooney reveals he REJECTED the chance to be interviewed for the Everton job

Wayne Rooney has revealed he rejected the chance to have an interview for the vacant manager’s job at former club Everton.

Rooney is currently in charge of crisis-torn Championship club Derby and attracted interest from Everton after they sacked Rafael Benitez earlier this month.

Yet despite Rooney’s emotional ties to Everton, where he made his debut aged 16, the former England captain said he had chosen not to pursue the opportunity.

Rooney wants to help crisis club Derby County beat the drop in the Championship

‘They approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job which I turned down,’ he said. ‘I believe I will be a Premier League manager and that I’m ready for that, and if that’s with Everton in future that would be great.

‘It was a very difficult decision but I’ve got a job here at Derby which is important to me, and that means me getting the team ready to play Birmingham on Sunday.’

Rooney has been in charge of in-crisis Derby for just over a year, battling to keep the Rams up after his side were handed a 21-point deduction for going into administration. 

Rooney said he was flattered to be linked with the job but insisted that he his attention has always been on helping Derby.

Bill Kenwright (left) and Farhad Moshiri (right) are still searching for Benitez’s replacement

‘I was brought up as an Everton supporter and I am flattered to be brought up in these conversations,’ he said earlier this month.

‘Everton know that to have any communication with me they need to contact the administrators.

‘I see the speculation. I know everyone loves a good fairytale but there has been no approach. 

‘My focus is solely on Derby County.’