In what was a brilliant opening weekend, Wayne Rooney’s goal against Stoke was by far the most emotional moment. England’s record goal scorer had come back home and powered a brilliant header past Butland to spark massive celebrations.
The passion that the legendary English striker showed in his celebration was everything that you needed to see, as he was once again scoring for in the Everton blue.
After 13 years of immaculate service, Wayne Rooney decided to leave Manchester United and come back home to his boyhood club Everton.
Rooney immortalized himself at Manchester United, as he became the all time goal scorer for the club and won everything trophy there is to win at Old Trafford.
But age started to catch up with the Englishman, as his productivity slowly started to decline over the last couple of years. The goals dried up and he was no longer able to influence matches like he used to.
Which is why all said and done, Rooney’s move back to Everton is good for all parties.
Wayne Rooney has had an unbelievable career, one that he could have scarcely imagined when he first started playing football back home at Merseyside.
A genuine boy wonder, Rooney first made his name at Everton where he captured the imagination of the English fans all over the country.
While his selection in the England squad for the Euro 2004 was initially met with much skepticism, his performances said otherwise.
Rooney was England’s leading goal scorer in the tournament as he became the latest sensation in world football.
Suddenly Rooney was too big for Everton, and he had to make the right move for his career. Great things were expected from Rooney at Manchester United, and he duly delivered.
Rooney won everything at United and became the record goal scorer in the club’s glorious history.
But it wasn’t just his goals that made him popular among the Manchester United faithful. His incredible work rate and willingness to put in a shift for his team made him a manager’s dream.
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He was in every aspect, a wonderful player to have in your team.
All things come to an end however, which is why Rooney’s eventual exit from Old Trafford was looming for a few years now. In all honesty, Rooney’s decline started from the moment Robin Van Persie came to Manchester United.
The classy striker was the chief protagonist behind United’s last league title, and will forever be remembered for it. But his position as the main man took the spotlight away from Rooney.
Under David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal, Rooney was sometimes the only bright spark in what was otherwise a very average Manchester United team. That being said, the English legend was no where close to his best in the last few years.
In his final year at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho gave him every opportunity to prove himself. Ultimately, even Rooney realized that he was not hitting the heights that he had set for himself and therefore must leave the club.
Now at Everton, Rooney has already scored two goals in his opening two games for his boyhood club. There is no doubt that playing for Everton has given Rooney some of his old zest back.
His performance away to Manchester City was particularly excellent, as he scored his 200th Premier League goal in that match.
With the World Cup looming large, Rooney will need to continue these performances if he wants to be on the flight to Russia. His experience will prove to be vital for the team, and his ability to play in different positions can provide the coach with tactical flexibility.
You never know, Rooney may have the last laugh after all.
