Rooney sets sights on trophies after big Toffees return
WAYNE Rooney hopes his return to boyhood club Everton can help end their long wait for a trophy.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal with the club he left in 2004 after a success-laden spell at Manchester United and wants to have a similar effect with the Toffees, whose last piece of silverware came with their 1995 FA Cup win.
“Thirteen years ago I went to United with the intention of winning trophies and I have been fortunate to be a part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history,” said Rooney, who won 12 major honours - including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in a statement to Press Association Sport.
“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.”
Rooney - who was unveiled at an afternoon news conference yesterday - added on Everton TV: “(Winning trophies with Everton) would be the pinnacle.
“I really feel now the club is moving in the right direction, bringing the right calibre of players in. I want to be part of it and hopefully part of a successful Everton team. I’m excited by the signings the club have made. This club is moving
ALEXANDRE Lacazette could make his first Arsenal appearance next week after being named in a 25-man squad for the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Australia and China.
The France striker, who joined Arsenal from Lyon for what is understood to be a club-record fee, is flying out with the team ahead of Thursday’s tour opener against Sydney FC.
He is joined in the squad by the club’s other forward. This football club should be winning trophies and we’re taking huge steps to being involved and trying to win trophies.
“There will be pressure on me to perform, but I’m ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch.
“With the new stadium in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time to be an Everton player, to be an Everton fan.
“It’s on us players to make those times even more exciting by giving them good performances and try to help them be successful and bring trophies to the club.
“It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m ecstatic - I just cannot wait to get back playing.
“I’ve kept it quiet for the last 13 years - but I’ve actually been wearing Everton pyjamas at home with my kids.”
Rooney left United as their all-time leading scorer with 253 goals to his credit and also arrives at Goodison as the leading goalscorer in England’s history.
It is that wealth of experience - not the last 12 months which saw Rooney’s form and role dwindle at Old Trafford - manager Koeman believes will make a difference.
“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 said. summer signing, BosniaHerzegovina international Sead Kolasinac, and fellow France forward Olivier Giroud, who has been linked with a move away from Arsene Wenger’s side this summer.
There is no place in the squad for defenders Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson, or striker Lucas Perez, whose agent has said he is keen to depart the club.