After 13 years with the Red Devils, Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Wayne Rooney, has officially returned to his childhood club, Everton. The 31-year-old was officially unveiled on Everton’s official social media pages and further took to Facebook and Twitter to confirm his move to the Toffees. Now, Rooney is set to join forces with former Southhampton boss Ronald Koeman, something the England international is clearly looking forward to.
“Can’t wait to meet up with Ronald Koeman and the lads,” Rooney wrote in his social media posts. While Everton fans are surely overjoyed by the re-signing of one of the most successful players in the history of the Premier League, Manchester United fans have voiced their discontent over the transfer. Rooney’s social media pages are currently filled with comments of Manchester United fans thanking him for his massive contribution to the club over the past 13 years, during which the England captain won 12 major trophies. Over the years the 31-year-old forward has certainly become synonymous with the club’s identity and values. Needless to say, Rooney will go down as a Manchester United legend and his name will surely be fondly remembered by fans of the club for years to come.
What’s more, Manchester United shared a special tribute to Rooney on social media. In a video posted on the club’s official Twitter page, Manchester United showcased Rooney’s rise to success over the years, as well as his most memorable moments with the Red Devils. Suffice to say, the club has definitely bid farewell to its legend in style.
Our special video celebrates @WayneRooney ‘s 13 years at #MUFC … #FarewellToALegend pic.twitter.com/ZpQn3kRpZ1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2017
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, the Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, who’s only worked with Rooney for one season, also praised the 31-year-old’s professionalism and contribution to the club , saying that he’s been an admirer of his for a long time. Mourinho further stated that Rooney has secured his status as a club legend, while also admitting that it’s been tough to bench such “a great player.”
‘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.”
https://www.facebook.com/WayneRooney/photos/a.727076874017950.1073741894.245323855526590/1556109251114704/?type=3&theater
Similarly, Ed Woodward praised and thanked Rooney for his 13 seasons at the club. In his statement, Woodward hailed Rooney as the club’s “greatest ever goalscorer,” and reminded everyone of the many “magical moments” he created in a Manchester United shirt. Rooney, of course, scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for the Red Devils. The executive vice-chairman then concluded his tribute to Rooney by wishing him all the best for the future.
“On behalf of the whole club and our hundreds of millions of fans around the world, we wish Wayne all the very best for the next phase of his incredible career.”
With the departure of Wayne Rooney, a great chapter in Manchester United’s history has come to an end. On the other hand, Everton fans will be looking forward to next season with excitement and joy, as they’ve landed one of the biggest signings of the transfer window thus far. While Rooney may no longer be in his prime, he’ll surely be a great addition to the Toffees thanks to his “experience, focus and determination,” as Mourinho pointed out. To see what Rooney can offer to Everton when he’s at his best, check out his magnificent goal against Newcastle below.
https://www.facebook.com/manchesterunited/videos/10154667205022746/
[Featured Image by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]