Wayne Rooney couldn’t resist a playful jab at Jack Grealish after the England winger chose Everton’s famous No.18 shirt, a number steeped in Merseyside football folklore. This summer, the jersey was up for grabs again after veteran Ashley Young’s departure, and Grealish, fresh from sealing a loan switch from Manchester City, wasted no time in claiming it.
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Grealish, who has previously been synonymous with the No.10 at both City and Aston Villa, admitted he was swayed by the heritage tied to his new digits. With Iliman Ndiaye currently in possession of the Toffees’ No.10, Grealish saw No.18 not as a compromise, but as a connection to two icons he grew up admiring.
He admitted: "There is a reason for [choosing number 18]. There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here. So, as soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point."
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Rooney himself donned it when, as a fearless 16-year-old, he thundered in that unforgettable match-winner against Arsenal, announcing his arrival to the football world. Before him, Paul Gascoigne carried the number during his colourful two-season stint at the club. And, as Rooney was happy to point out, a certain Phil Neville has also enjoyed time in the 18 on Merseyside.
WHAT ROONEY SAID
The banter unfolded live on BBC’s Match of the Day when the host told Rooney about Grealish’s decision, adding that the winger claimed the two had discussed it “over a roast dinner.” Rooney, grinning, brushed it off in good humour.
"Yeah, it was… No, listen, Jack's a fantastic player and, yeah, and we did speak about it in tongue-in-cheek, really, in terms of the number 18 shirt," he admitted. "Unfortunately Phil Neville wore it as well!
"For Jack, I think it's a great opportunity. Obviously, it's a massive football club and a great fan base, and I think for Jack to go in there and go and be one of the main players, it's an opportunity for him to go and shine, get Everton back up the table where they need to be and, obviously, try and put himself in Thomas Tuchel's plans again."
DID YOU KNOW?
The move is believed to involve a significant pay cut for Grealish, underscoring his desire to revive his career with regular football. The deal also includes a purchase clause reported to be in the region of £50 million, giving Everton a potential long-term coup if Grealish thrives.