Rooney leaves Manchester United to fulfill feel-good Everton return

Sometimes you just have to go home.

Proud Scouser Wayne Rooney ended a 13-year association with Manchester United on Sunday to rejoin Everton, the club which launched his decorated career.

Rooney completed his medical evaluations and greeted eager fans at Everton's training base on Saturday before signing a two-year contract.

United agreed to waive a fee and allow him to return to Everton on a free transfer, according to the BBC's Simon Stone.

The 31-year-old had one year remaining on his much-publicised £300,000-a-week contract with United and had the option to extend the deal by a further year, but that obviously wasn't necessary.

"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 in a statement obtained by Press Association Sport.

"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 (I was) a boy."

Catching eyes as a flashy teenager, Rooney scored 15 goals in 67 league appearances for the Toffees before securing a £25.6-million move to United in 2004.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

He won virtually everything there is to win with the Red Devils, and surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton as their record scorer with 253 tallies to his name.

Playing time became sparse last season under manager Jose Mourinho, who gradually phased Rooney out of the first team. He started only 15 Premier League matches and scored just five top-flight goals - the fewest he has managed to net in a single domestic campaign.

Mourinho left his captain on the bench for both the EFL Cup and Europa League finals against Southampton and Ajax, respectively, although Rooney still had the honour of lifting those trophies, his 11th and 12th with the club.

The Portuguese expressed hope multiple times that Rooney would remain at Old Trafford for the 2017-18 season, but the English international wanted more guaranteed minutes.

"It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come," Mourinho told United's website.

"It's 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.

"His experience, focus, and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future."

Rooney confirmed in May that he had "lots of offers on the table" from England and abroad. Chinese outfit Tianjin Quanjian made an official approach during the winter transfer window, but talks didn't amount to anything.

Rooney's preferences further limited his options. A move to a Premier League club other than Everton was out of the question - "I've played for two Premier League clubs and they're the only two Premier League clubs I'll play for," he said in May - and Major League Soccer never emerged as a serious contender for his signature.

He will have an opportunity to rediscover himself at Goodison Park as one of several marquee signings by manager Ronald Koeman, joining Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, and Sandro Ramirez as the Dutchman's immediate arrivals.

"Wayne has shown me that ambition we need and that winning mentality - he knows how to win titles and I'm really happy he's decided to come home," Koeman said in a club statement.

"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."

Rooney can expect a warm welcome at Old Trafford when Everton travels to face United on Sept. 17.