Wayne Rooney signed his first professional football contract without having it fully explained to him by his agent, a court heard.

When he turned 17 in 2003, Rooney signed his first professional contract with Everton.

But his agent Paul Stretford did not take the youngster, or the boy’s father, fully through the contract and what it meant, it was alleged.

Mr Stretford brokered contracts with Rooney for sports management firm Proactive, where he was a director and founding partner.

But after Mr Stretford left Proactive acrimoniously in October 2008 no further commission payments have been paid.

Proactive claim they are owed £4.3m. The Rooneys and Mr Stretford deny this.

Mr Stretford was quizzed by Ian Mill QC, acting for Proactive, about the football contracts, involving transfer payments, earnings from image rights and sponsorships, signed by Rooney with Proactive after he turned 17.

Mr Mill asked him: “You did not take the opportunity to explain to Mr Rooney or his son, what documents were being signed or what their effects would be?”

“No I did not,” Mr Stretford replied. “Well that is extraordinary Mr Stretford,” Mr Mill said.

Mr Stretford said there were ‘countless negotiations’ and not the time to go through every single clause in every document. “Was his father, to your knowledge someone experienced in football contracts?” Mr Mill asked.

“No,” Mr Stretford replied.

The lawyer continued: “I suggest to you this evidence gives you no credit whatsoever.”

The witness said the last time he signed a contract to be Rooney’s football agent was a two-year agreement in 2006.

Mr Stretford added: “Our relationship was such there was no need for a contract.”

Wayne Rooney, his mother, father and wife Coleen are scheduled to give evidence tomorrow.

Proceeding