Everton confirmed they have re-signed
Wayne Rooney after 13 years at Manchester United. The
31-year-old England striker has signed a two-year deal to return to his boyhood
club, for whom he made his debut as a 16-year-old and burst onto the Premier
League scene.
Wayne 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."
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."
Everton 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
switches back to Merseyside as part of a deal that will see United sign striker
Romelu Lukaku for up to £90m. After
an illustrious time under Sir Alex Ferguson, in which he won five Premier League
titles and the Champions League, he struggled to nail down a place in Jose
Mourinho's first-team last season after a difficult previous campaign under
Louis van Gaal. He picked up a Europa League winners medal last season, and
also won the FA Cup under Van Gaal, and leaves Old Trafford having scored 251
goals in over 500 games. A truely amazing achievement.