Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville shocked legendary striker and club record goalscorer Wayne Rooney (253 goals) by revealing his highest annual salary. This came after Rooney signed a five-and-a-half-year contract extension in 2014. Neville said in astonishment: "I think his salary should have been a bit higher than what I was getting." At the time, Rooney was 29, and the contract included commercial rights and a commitment to serve as a club ambassador after retirement. Neville himself received a pay rise after his extension, reaching £2.25 million per year, but he pressed Rooney to reveal his highest salary at United. Rooney replied: "The highest? Maybe £17 million a year."
