NOT UP TO ME TO KEEP ROONEY, SAYS NEW BOSS SILVA

MARCO SILVA will not make a final attempt to convince Wayne Rooney to remain at Everton with the striker on the brink of joining DC United. The Portuguese was formally presented as Everton’s new manager yesterday and the first task he faces is to deal with the final throes of Rooney’s career at Goodison Park. Rooney, 32, has been in talks with the MLS side for the past month but his future has been the subject of intense debate. Though there are some at Goodison who want him to stay, notably chairman Bill Kenwright, major shareholder Farhad Moshiri was the first person to raise the possibility of him leaving. Silva was given the opportunity to say there was a place for Rooney in his plans but the former Hull and Watford manager chose his words carefully as he has yet to meet the player. It was clear, though, that Everton have already started the process of moving on without England’s record scorer. ‘It’s not in my hands — it is something that started before (I signed),’ said Silva. ‘It was Wayne’s decision with the club before I came. ‘Before everything is done I will talk with Wayne because he is a club legend. I hope everybody works out this situation — him and the club. We will see. ‘Wayne needs to take this decision and the club needs to take this decision as well. ‘After I have enough time to talk with him and see everything. When everybody talks about his legs nobody expects Wayne to be the same as five or 10 years ago. It’s not just with him. It happens with all players.’ The message was backed up by Marcel Brands, Everton’s new director of football, who said: ‘When you talk about Wayne Rooney, you talk about a legend and a fantastic player. When I came in the club there was a lot going on already with Washington DC. ‘I haven’t spoken to Wayne myself, I will definitely do that in the coming days, but I understand that he wants to make the next step in his career to the MLS like a lot of big players did. ‘When Wayne Rooney wants that a club like Everton has to help him in that deal. ‘The only thing I have to say to him is if he wants to come back the door will always be open for him.’ Silva, who has signed a three-year deal worth £5million a season, has arrived on Merseyside with a big reputation but he is aware that the spotlight will be on him like never before. And he has also has some questions to answer. For starters, he has only won 13 Premier League games out of a possible 42. He has also been quick to leave clubs when better opportunities have arisen but Silva insists he will not turn his back on Everton at the first possible moment. ‘I am here, I enjoy now, I am here clear,’ said Silva. ‘I tell you, I don’t talk for myself now, I am clear when I say the club needs some stability and I want some stability for my career. ‘I know what is important. I need it for my career.’