Rooney becomes a ‘Toffee’ again
England and Manchester United's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney completed a move back to his first club Everton on yesterday, the player told the Press Association in a statement.
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The 31-year-old-who had become a peripheral figure under Jose Mourinho last season — signed a two year contract with Everton bringing the curtain down on 13 trophy-laden years at Manchester United.
Rooney said in a statement: “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.”
In 2004, Rooney signed with United, leaving Everton as an 18-year-old in a £25.6 million deal.
He went on to score 253 goals in 559 appearances, winning the Premier League title five times. In January, he scored his 250th goal for United to break the record set by Sir Bobby Charlton.
Rooney, fifth on United's all-time list of appearance makers, also won the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and three League Cups during 13 seasons at United.
He was appointed club captain by former manager Louis van Gaal in 2014 following Nemanja Vidic's departure to Inter Milan. —PA