The 29-year-old followed in the footsteps of two of his footballing idols, Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, after securing his loan move to Everton.
It’s a big season for both Grealish and his new club, who will play in their new Hill Dickinson Stadium starting in 2025-26.
Grealish now has his sights on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup following a disappointing spell under Pep Guardiola last campaign.
Speaking to Everton’s media team, the attacking midfielder revealed his ambitions, why he chose the number 18, and his conversation with former forward, Rooney.
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!"