Wayne Rooney has played alongside some of the greatest talents in football history, but when it comes to moments that truly stuck with him — not all of them were victories or trophies.

In a recent conversation, the Manchester United icon reflected on one transfer that hit him hard and, in his eyes, signaled a dramatic power shift in his beloved city.

A Legendary Career and a Painful Exit

Rooney, who spent 13 years with Manchester United, knows a thing or two about building a legacy.

With 253 goals in 559 appearances, five Premier League titles, and a Champions League medal from 2008, he’s etched into the club’s history books as their all-time top scorer.

Throughout his time at Old Trafford, he shared the pitch with icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs.

But one teammate’s departure, more than any other, left a lasting emotional mark on him — and that was Carlos Tevez.

The Tevez Transfer That Changed Everything

Rooney revealed that Tevez’s move to Manchester City in 2009 was the moment that truly gutted him.

At the time, Tevez had spent two seasons at United on loan, forming a fearsome front three with Rooney and Ronaldo.

Together, they powered the club to back-to-back league titles and that unforgettable Champions League triumph.

When Tevez turned down a permanent move to United and instead joined their fierce rivals across town for a reported £25.5 million, it didn’t just sting — it made a statement.

A Billboard That Spoke Volumes

Speaking to the BBC, Rooney didn’t mince words: “I was gutted, to be honest.

I’m pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay.”

What really rubbed salt in the wound was City’s decision to unveil the transfer using a massive billboard in central Manchester — a bold, in-your-face move that sparked instant backlash from United fans and management.

Rooney recalled how even Sir Alex Ferguson lashed out at City, calling them a “small club with a small mentality,” showing just how much that transfer rattled the red half of Manchester.

A New Era for the Blue Side

But while United were fuming, City fans embraced the moment, and in Rooney’s eyes, that was the beginning of a serious shift.

“City were trying to build something,” he said.

“And I knew Carlos would play a big role in that.”

Rooney wasn’t wrong. Tevez went on to enjoy an impactful four-year spell at City, playing a key role in their rise — including their historic 2011-12 Premier League title win, which they dramatically clinched in injury time on the final day, snatching it away from none other than United.

Tevez’s Impact Still Echoes

While Chelsea and United each managed to win a title following Tevez’s move, it was City who truly built on that momentum.

Since that 2012 breakthrough, they’ve won seven more league titles, while United have struggled to keep pace — their last title coming in the 2012-13 season.

For Rooney, the sting of Tevez’s departure is still real.

“I was devastated,” he admitted. “I would’ve loved for him to stay longer.

He was such a great player to play alongside.”

One Transfer, One City, Two Paths

In hindsight, the Tevez transfer wasn’t just a big-money move.

It became a symbol of Manchester’s shifting football power.

While United were still clinging to their dominance, City was building something new — and Tevez was a turning point.

It’s a story of ambition, rivalry, and what happens when one moment tilts the balance.

And for Rooney, that billboard was more than marketing — it was the writing on the wall.