ROONEY RETURNS TO EVERTON.

Everton have confirmed the return of Wayne Rooney from Manchester United.
Rooney, 31, is back at his boyhood club 13 years after leaving for Old Trafford, where he won five Premier League titles, the Champions League and many other trophies.

Rooney signed a two-year deal with the Toffees.

“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,” said Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

“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.”

United manager, Mourinho insists that Rooney has been a "model professional" throughout his time at Old Trafford.

Mourinho said: "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.

"It is 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."

United's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward added: "Wayne has been a fantastic servant to United since the moment he signed for us as a prodigiously talented, explosive teenager some 13 seasons ago.

"Wayne leaves us as our greatest ever goalscorer and having won every major trophy in the game.

"His record will take decades for anyone to get close to matching and I am extremely grateful for the way he has led from the front since being appointed club captain three years ago."

Rooney is understood to be prepared to take a significant cut on his £250,000-a-week basic salary at United in order to return to Everton and look set to wear the number 10 jersey which is now available after Romelu Lukaku completed his move to Manchester United.