Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney discussed the United icon’s son, Kai, in Owen’s new documentary
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has asked Wayne Rooney – the father of United starlet Kai – if he would ever double up as his son’s agent – and he received a clear response. The interaction can be seen on Meet the Owens, which premiered on Amazon this week.
The new show gives insight into the private lives of Owen, his wife Louise, and their four children, Gemma, James, Emily, and Jessica. In the clip, the former England duo discuss their son’s forays into professional football after a taping of the Wayne Rooney Show.
However, the elder Rooney shot down his former team-mate, simply saying, “No, no,” and laughing at Owen’s suggestion. Kai has signed a scholarship deal at Old Trafford, having been part of United’s youth ranks since the age of 11.
As for an agency, the young striker has actually signed with Triple S Sports Management, the same company his father was signed to. The global agency is owned by Rooney Snr’s agent, Paul Stretford.
Confirming his addition, a post on the agency’s Instagram read: “Delighted to announce the signing of @kairooney.10 to Triple S Sports! We’re excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game. A bright future ahead. Welcome to the team, Kai!”
Speaking via the BBC last year, Rooney Snr believes his son is in good hands. The United legend said: “He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand-off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.”
The 16-year-old Rooney appears to be taking everything in his stride despite the huge pressure that could be felt on his shoulders, with Mum Coleen recently discussing his rapid ascent.
She said to The Times: “He’s lived it from a young age. “When we used to go to matches when he was younger, he’d get a lot of people coming up saying, ‘Oh, are you Wayne Rooney’s son?’
“But he’s strong-minded, always has been. I’ve got no worries in the way he deals with it. “It’s nice that we know what to expect. And we can try to guide him. Obviously, it’s his life, his passion. He can decide what he wants to do. But I think it’s good we’ve got the knowledge.”
Owen, who also played for Liverpool, Newcastle United and Stoke City in the Premier League, admits to breaking down in tears upon learning that his son, James, had a condition called Stargardt in his new reality series.
The ex-England forward had hoped his son would follow in his footsteps into professional football, just as Kai followed his father.
However, James’s disease causes progressive central vision loss. This usually begins in childhood or adolescence and can lead to blurry, hazy, or distorted vision.
Talking in the show, Owen says: “When he first got diagnosed, I remember stopping in the car, three or four times, and just bursting out crying, thinking, ‘What’s his life going to be like?’ I just wanted him to not feel sorry for himself, wanted him to have a positive outlook on life.
“Most people who play football have the dream of their son following in their footsteps. That’s what my dad had with me. I wanted James to be a footballer when he was really young but obviously that dream was dashed quite early.”
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