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Everton is no ‘retirement home’, says Rooney

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LIVERPOOL: England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney insists Everton is ‘not a retirement home’ after making an emotional return to Goodison Park.


Rooney rejoined his boyhood club on Sunday after 13 years at Manchester United where he was also the record goalscorer having broken another United icon Bobby Charlton’s mark last season. The 31-year-old believes he can bring back success to a club who have not lifted a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995.


The former England captain is of the view that he can continue to enjoy success back at his first club.


“I’m not coming into a retirement home,” said Rooney at his unveiling to the press on Monday. “I want to play, win and be successful. I feel good. I’m not fit at the moment but that will build up in the next few weeks.”


“I’m excited. I think it’s the right time and I’m ready for it.”


Rooney admitted in May he had become frustrated by a lack of game time at Old Trafford, where he made just 15 Premier League starts last season. Rooney hopes he can get more regular games at Goodison Park to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.


The striker has lost both his place and the captaincy since Gareth Southgate took charge, and knows he faces a battle to get back into the side.


However, he suggested he can only start to think about his country if he is playing well for his club. “I’m focused on Everton, playing well for Everton,” said Rooney, who appeared at his first major finals for England at Euro 2004 and scored four goals.


“If I do that Gareth Southgate will have a decision to make, whether he puts me back in the squad or not.”


Rooney may be happy to have returned to the club he supported as a boy but his family too are ecstatic.


“My eldest lad was the happiest ever, I think, and also my Dad who’s Evertonian,” said Rooney.


“He’s gone off to watch me for the last 13 years at Manchester and now he’ll have a five-minute drive to watch me play again so I think he’s really happy.” — AFP


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