Wayne Rooney has returned to boyhood club Everton, the Premier League club have announced.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the club, and moves for an undisclosed fee.
| We’re delighted to bring @WayneRooney back to #EFC! He signs from @ManUtd, 2 year deal. #WelcomeHomeWayne
https://t.co/mHFaK7eQA9 pic.twitter.com/8N5nYvnezU— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017
“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,” Everton manager Ronald Koeman told the club’s website.
“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.
| @WayneRooney: “I’m coming back because I feel the Club can move forward & be successful.”
Read: https://t.co/ess9OJfo1b pic.twitter.com/KztwPXU1Yy— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017
Rooney burst onto the scene as a precocious teenager with the Toffees. He made his debut at the age of 16 at the start of the 2002-03 season and was picked for England within months.
He went on to excel at Euro 2004 and was snapped up by United soon after, moving to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old in a £27million deal.
| @WayneRooney has recorded this message for Evertonians…#WelcomeHomeWayne pic.twitter.com/nPnmni3mJj
— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017
In the years since he has been one of the club’s most influential players, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. He leaves with 253 United goals to his name.
Rooney, who is both United and England’s all-time record scorer, originally left Everton for Old Trafford in 2004.
| Once a Blue, always a Blue…
Get the full story: https://t.co/38A1EN3nps pic.twitter.com/ev3GVASsUH— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017