England and Manchester United's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney declared himself 'ecstatic' after completing a move back to Everton, the club where he first starred as a teenager, on Sunday. The 31-year-old - who became a peripheral figure under Jose Mourinho last season - signed a two-year contract on a free transfer, according to the BBC, bringing the curtain down on 13 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford.
Rooney - whose move comes the day after United announced they had agreed terms with Everton over buying striker Romelu Lukaku - will hope the switch revives his international career which also stalled last season. "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," he said in a statement to the Press Association.
"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 (Everton manager) 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," added Rooney, who was five times United's leading scorer and on another occasion shared the honours with Cristiano Ronaldo. Indeed Rooney said once he met with Koeman he knew there should be no other destination for his talents.