Wayne Rooney has confirmed he has rejoined Everton from Manchester United.
The 31-year-old footballer issued a statement thanking United for the past 13 years and expressed his happiness to be returning to his boyhood club.
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.
“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.
“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 a boy.”
Everton confirmed Rooney had signed a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Manager Ronald 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.”
Rooney started as a 16-year-old with Everton and moved to United in a £27m deal two years later.
He has been one of United’s most prolific and successful players and last season broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s record to become the club’s leading goal-scorer. He leaves Old Trafford with 253 United goals to his name.
United manager Jose Mourinho said: “It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne. He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come.
“It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton. His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future.”
Rooney began to fall down the pecking order at Old Trafford and last season his appearances totalled 15 Premier League starts
He has been linked with moves to China and the US but when it emerged he would be leaving United, joining Everton became more appealing.
When Rooney left Everton 13 years ago there was some resentment among fans but the player has never lost touch with his roots.
Any animosity towards Rooney from Evertonians eased with time and he even played for the club again in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in 2015.
Rooney, also England’s record goalscorer, will be joining a batch of new faces arriving at the club this summer, including Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Henry Onyekuru, Nathangelo Markelo and Sandro Ramirezas.
[skynews]
