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Football

09th Jul 2017

It’s official! Wayne Rooney is no longer a Manchester United player

The end of an era

Darragh Murphy

253 goals and 559 appearances later, Wayne Rooney is no longer a Manchester United player.

On Sunday, the United legend was officially confirmed as Everton’s latest summer signing.

Rooney has rejoined his former club on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, calling time on 13-year spell at Old Trafford.

The Toffees confirmed Rooney’s arrival this weekend, as forward Romelu Lukaku finalises his move in the opposite direction.

Rooney scored 17 goals in 77 appearances for the Goodison Park outfit before being brought to United by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2004.

He went on to become the Red Devils’ top goalscorer of all time, overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton last season.

Rooney’s role was reduced to cameo appearances in that season, Jose Mourinho’s first as United boss, and he will be hopeful of more game-time at the club that gave him his professional debut.

“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 said of the deal.

“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.”

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