Jack Grealish reveals Wayne Rooney conversation as new Everton signing sets World Cup target | OneFootball

The attacking midfielder has chosen to wear an iconic Everton shirt number after joining on loan

Jack Grealish has revealed he spoke to Wayne Rooney before completing a season-long loan move to Everton.

Grealish won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup after joining City for a British-record transfer fee of £100million in the summer of 2021.

However, his time at the Etihad Stadium was largely been hampered by injury which subsequently saw him continue to fall down the pecking order.

The 29-year-old made just seven Premier League starts for Pep Guardiola's side last season, and is now seeking regular football at Everton ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Having set his sights on earning a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, Grealish has chosen to wear the No18 at Everton in honour of two former England internationals.

He said: "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.

"I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he's happy as well!"

Grealish has been signed in time to make his Everton debut next Monday at Elland Road as the Toffees begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Leeds