Manchester United’s former England captain Wayne Rooney has rejoined his boyhood favourites Everton on a two-year deal from their Premier League rivals, the striker said on Sunday.
"Excited to be back at @Everton. Can't wait to meet up with @RonaldKoeman and the lads! #EFC," he said on twitter where he was pictured wearing an Everton shirt.
Rooney, who has moved on a free transfer, spoke of his excitement at returning to his boyhood club. "(Winning trophies with Everton) would be the pinnacle," he said. "I really feel now the club is moving in the right direction, bringing the right calibre of players in. I want to be part of it and hopefully part of a successful Everton team.
"It's a great feeling to be back. I'm excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the raining pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I'm ecstatic - I just cannot wait to get back playing."
Rooney scored the winner for Everton against Arsenal in the Premier League while only 16 but moved to United two years later for a fee reported to be 25 million pounds.
Scoring a hat-trick for United on his debut against Fenerbahce, Rooney went on to play more than 550 games, scoring 253 goals to become their all-time leading scorer. His England debut came under Sven-Goran Eriksson, aged 17, and he became the country's top scorer with 53 goals and the most capped outfield player with 119 appearances.
At United he won the Champions League, five Premier League titles and the FA Cup and was Footballer of the Year in 2010.
But last season he was no longer an automatic selection under manager Jose Mourinho and also lost his place in the England squad.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman said he believes Rooney can make a real contribution to the Merseyside club next season.
"He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back," said the Dutchman. "He is still only 31 and I don't have any doubts about his qualities. It's fantastic he's here."
