Everton seal deal to bring Rooney home
WAYNE Rooney has completed an emotional return to Everton from Manchester United.
The 31-year-old’s anticipated move back to his boyhood club, after 13 successful years at Old Trafford, was confirmed yesterday.
He leaves United as their record goalscorer with 253 strikes and after winning 12 major honours, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
But for the Merseysider, Everton was always his first love and remained close to his heart.
Rooney, who burst onto the scene as a precocious 16-year-old with the Toffees, told Everton TV: “It feels great. To be honest – I’ve kept it quiet for the last 13 years – but I’ve actually been wearing Everton pyjamas at home with my kids. I had to keep that a bit quiet!
“It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I’m ecstatic – I just cannot wait to get back playing.”
Rooney (below) has signed a two-year deal at Goodison Park and moves for an undisclosed fee.
In a statement, Rooney said: “It is some time since I said that the only Premier League club I would play for other than Manchester United was Everton, so I am delighted that the move has happened.
“I have come back to Everton because I believe Ronald Koeman is building a team that can win something and I look forward to playing my part in making that a reality for the club I have supported since I was a boy.”
Everton boss Ronald Koeman believes Rooney will help instil a winning attitude in the squad.
The Toffees have already signed Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Henry Onyekuru, Nathangelo Markelo and Sandro Ramirez in an early transfer blitz.
Koeman said: “Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home.
“He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”