In what might not be all that shocking news, Wayne Rooney is heading back to Everton following 13 seasons with Manchester United.
We’ve known for quite some time now that Wayne Rooney’s time with Manchester United would be coming to an end. After he was sort of put on the back burner last season, it was apparent the 13-year marriage was about to come to an end. To that point, what we also pretty much knew was that he wanted to be headed to one place and one place only — Everton.
Well, we definitely know this to be the case now, as Rooney will officially be returning to the club he left as an 18-year-old all those years ago to join the most powerful football club in the world in Manchester United.
🔵 | Once a Blue... #WelcomeHomeWayne pic.twitter.com/PAkv1qeBsY
— Everton (@Everton) July 9, 2017
As the transfer rumors have been swirling, Rooney had been linked to some other potential moves, but ultimately everyone knew that he just wanted to return to Everton. He got that wish.
The Captain is not leaving United without having gotten some work done, though. During his 13 seasons at Old Trafford, Rooney won a Champions League title, a Europa League crown, the FA Cup and three League cups. He’s also tallied 253 goals in the 13 seasons with Manchester United.
Because of this, Manchester United also sent out a nice message to Rooney as he makes his exit from the club.
#FarewellToALegend@WayneRooney is leaving #MUFC to return to Everton: https://t.co/QQrxKB2wo4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2017
Thank you, Wayne, from all of us. pic.twitter.com/34NErAvscX
In a statement about the move, Rooney expressed his pleasure with returning to Everton, as well as the bright future he sees with this club.
“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,” Rooney said.
“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.”
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Rooney brought success to Manchester United, now presumably to close out his career, we’ll see if he can do the same for hi longtime favorite club.