LIVERPOOL - England record goalscorer Wayne Rooney is to leave Everton for a move to North American team DC United, the US club and the English Premier League outfit announced Thursday.
"Everton and Wayne Rooney have reached an agreement for the player to join MLS (Major League Soccer) side DC United on a permanent transfer," said a club statement. "Rooney will complete the formalities of his move when the MLS transfer window opens on July 10. From everyone at Everton, we thank Wayne for his service to the club and wish him every success in the next three-and-a-half years with DC United."
Rooney joined Everton as a nine-year-old and went on to make his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur during the 2002/03 Premier League season and went on to score his first goal against Arsenal, becoming the youngest player to score in the Premier League at 16 years and 351 days.
He would go on to join Manchester United in 2004, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League and surpassing Bobby Charlton as the Red Devils' all-time top goalscorer. Rooney rejoined Everton in 2017. However, his first team appearances were limited towards the end of last season.
"It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks," Rooney told the DC United website. "Moving to America and MLS fulfills another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give D.C. 100 percent - as I have always done for every team I have ever played for.
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— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) June 28, 2018
"When I visited earlier this summer I was really impressed with everyone I met connected with the club, and of course the new Audi Field. Now I can’t wait to get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new teammates to bring success to this club."
#NoWayneNoGain pic.twitter.com/HfbLmCsBOq
— D.C. United (@dcunited) June 28, 2018