Wayne Rooney Retires from International Football as England's Record Goalscorer
Aug 23, 2017
Wayne Rooney celebrates after he scored the penalty that made him England's highest goalscorer during the England v Switzerland European Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium on September 8th 2015 in London (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney, England's all-time record goalscorer, announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday.
The team's official Twitter account relayed the news:
53 goals. 119 games. Forever a #ThreeLions legend.
The 31-year-old netted 53 times in total for the Three Lions, making 119 appearances in total. He made his debut for his country in 2003 aged just 17.
After netting his second goal of the Premier League season in as many games for the Toffees on Monday, Rooney was asked about the prospect of making a return to Gareth Southgate's squad.
"I am focusing on Everton, but I am sure I will speak to Gareth Southgate over the next few days and we will see what happens," he said, perChris Bascombeof theDaily Telegraph. It appears those talks were to confirm his time on the international stage was over.
Interim England manager Gareth Southgate (R) and England's striker Wayne Rooney (L) walk on the pitch on the eve of the World Cup 2018 football qualification match between Slovenia and England in Ljubljana, on October 10, 2016. / AFP / Jure MAKOVEC
According to the Press Association (h/t the Guardian), Southgate wanted Rooney as part of his squad for the upcoming matches with Malta and Slovakia, but the former Manchester United man turned down the chance.
Journalists Henry Winter and Simon Stone both suggested Rooney was making the right decision:
Right time for Rooney to go. #eng attacking future lies with Kane, Alli & Rashford. Good news for #efc as he'll rest in international weeks.
Rooney leaves the England setup without ever sampling silverware, but he's cemented his status as one of the finest players to don the country's jersey.
His performances at the UEFA European Championship in 2004 were the finest from an England player at a major tournament this generation has seen, and he led with distinction and determination as team captain.
As noted by theDaily Mail's Tim Nichols, Rooney can look back on his accomplishments for country and club with some pride:
Record scorer for United and England, 5 PL titles, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, 3 League Cups and yet...
It's clear the forward feels as though he still has something left to offer at the highest level, though, and that's been evident in the way the striker has started the season for the Toffees.
Having returned to his boyhood club in the summer from United, there's been a renewed fire in the striker's belly early in the 2017-18 season. He netted the winner in Everton's 1-0 victory over Stoke City in the first week of the campaign and grabbed his 200th Premier League goal in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Wayne Rooney of Everton celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Everton and Stoke City at Goodison Park on August 12, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/G
Radio City's David Downie was delighted to see the forward is putting everything into his second spell at Goodison Park:
Delighted with this news. Rooney putting his heart and soul into #EFC for the rest of his career.
Leaving Old Trafford was always going to be a significant point in Rooney's illustrious career, and few will disagree with this choice. Having poured so much into the national team, a focus on accomplishments with his boyhood club have to be the new priority.
England will miss Rooney's leadership, determination and goalscoring prowess, but his departure opens up an opportunity for a younger player to step in to become the talisman of a fanatical footballing nation.
Wayne Rooney Scores 200th Career Premier League Goal
Aug 22, 2017
Fact: Wayne Rooney scored his 200th career Premier League goal in Everton's 1-1 draw with Manchester Cityon Monday, joining Alan Shearer as just the second player ever to accomplish that feat.
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Manchester City, Everton Draw 1-1, Wayne Rooney Scores 200th Premier League Goal
Aug 21, 2017
Everton's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on August 21, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Anthony DEVLIN / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney scored his 200th Premier League goal on Monday to earn Everton a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium as both teams finished with 10 men.
Rooney opened the scoring after 36 minutes before two yellow cards in quick succession for Kyle Walker—the latter very harsh—saw him sent off just before the break.
Raheem Sterling equalised in the 83rd minute, and five minutes later Morgan Schneiderlin received a similarly undeserved second booking.
City dominated the early exchanges as they piled pressure on the visitors, but it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin who had the best of the chances as he twice fired wide on the counter.
Phil Jagielka had to come to Everton's rescue midway through the half, though, when Sergio Aguero latched on to a free ball from Nicolas Otamendi's rebound off Jordan Pickford. The defender was on hand to head clear the Argentinian striker's attempted lob off the line.
City came close again when David Silva crashed an effort off the post, but just as they were beginning to turn the screw, Rooney struck.
The forward ghosted into space in the penalty area in time to convert Calvert-Lewin's ball from the right, marking a significant milestone:
It's been a prolific ride to 200 Premier League goals for Wayne Rooney. 🔥 https://t.co/K2bgMaeEs5
Things got worse for the hosts soon after when Walker was booked for a late challenge on Leighton Baines, and moments later he received another yellow card for backing into Calvert-Lewin.
James Robson of theManchester Evening Newsbelieved the second card to be harsh on the full-back:
Walker's problem is that he looked for Calvert-Lewin - but that isn't a bookable offence. Nor is what he did to him. Poor decision
Despite the setback, City began the second half as strongly as they had the first, though that didn't translate to clear-cut chances.
Substitute Bernardo Silva miscued a volley into the ground and wide, while Sterling twice blazed over, the latter from a promising position after pouncing on Aguero's lay-off.
Pickford was called into action to deny Danilo, getting down to his right to superbly keep out the Brazilian, but the Sky Blues' pressure eventually told when Mason Holgate headed a clearance straight to Sterling in the penalty area, and the winger made amends for his earlier misses with a clinical volley.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on August 21, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty
Schneiderlin, who had been booked in the second minute, then won the ball cleanly from Aguero with minimal contact between the pair, but he nevertheless received a second yellow card for his troubles in the 88th minute.
Match of the Dayhost Gary Lineker and football writer Tom McDermott felt he was hard done by, though the former called for better decision-making on the midfielder's part:
Schneiderlin off. Another harsh 2nd yellow. No real need to slide in though. Stay on your feet rather than give the ref the chance to err.
The two sides remain unbeaten after two games this season. City have a good chance of extending that when they take on Bournemouth on Saturday, but Everton will be tested again when they face Chelsea on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney Scores 200th Career Premier League Goal vs. Manchester City
Aug 21, 2017
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Wayne Rooney of Everton and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on August 21, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney netted his 200th Premier League goal on Monday night to give Everton a 1-0 lead against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, per B/R Football:
The 31-year-old, who returned to Manchester for the first time since his move from City's neighbours Manchester United this summer, put a low shot underneath goalkeeper Ederson in the 35th minute.
Rooney was on hand to turn the ball in after a smart pull-back from 20-year-old forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It marked the England international's second league goal in as many matches since his return to boyhood club Everton.
Rooney's landmark strike also makes him only the second forward in Premier League history to reach the 200-mark for goals, per Squawka Football:
Only two players have scored 200+ goals in Premier League history.
Alan Shearer: 260 in 441 games Wayne Rooney: 200 in 462 games
The only man to have scored more goals than Rooney in England's top flight, ex-Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer, also hailed the achievement:
Shearer also recorded a special message for the man of the moment, saying he had been lonely in the 200 club, via the Premier League's official Twitter account:
Creative centre-forward Rooney has always been a natural talent, one who announced himself with his first league goal, a spectacular strike to help the Toffees beat Arsenal back in 2002.
Almost 15 years on, he's proving he still has a lot left to offer at the top level.
Premier League Fixtures: Live Stream, TV Schedule and Week 2 EPL Predictions
Aug 19, 2017
Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (L) vies with Stoke City's US defender Geoff Cameron during the English Premier League football match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on May 13, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Lindsey PARNABY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Holders Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in an early match between title contenders in the 2017/18 Premier League season. Spurs will host the Blues on Sunday in their first home fixture at Wembley Stadium this campaign.
The week's fixtures will end with Manchester City facing Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Monday. It's sure to be a test of both squads following a summer of heavy spending at each club.
Saturday's matches are highlighted by Arsenal's trip to Stoke City, one of Gunners manager Arsene Wenger's least-favourite dates on the calendar.
Here are the fixtures for the second week, along with viewing and schedule details, as well as predictions:
Saturday
Swansea City vs. Manchester United: 12:45 p.m. BST/7:45 a.m. ET, Sky Sports PL/ NBCSN (1-3)
Bournemouth vs. Watford: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET, NBCSN (2-1)
Burnley vs. West Bromwich Albion: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (1-1)
Leicester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (2-1)
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (3-2)
Southampton vs. West Ham United: 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET (1-1)
Stoke City vs. Arsenal: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET, BT Sport 1/NBC (2-2)
Sunday
Huddersfield Town vs. Newcastle United: 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET, Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (1-1)
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea: 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET, Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (2-1)
Monday
Manchester City vs. Everton: 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, Sky Sports PL/NBCSN (3-2)
Arsenal have rarely had an easy time at the bet365 Stadium. The Gunners lost league matches in the Potteries in 2008, 2011 and twice in 2014.
Arsenal's French striker Olivier Giroud (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on May 13, 2017.
However, the 4-1 win Arsenal managed late last season would qualify as easy. Olivier Giroud scored twice, along with Mesut Ozil and a fine strike from Alexis Sanchez, as the Gunners strolled through the Stoke defence back in May.
This time, however, the visitors will have to make do without star forward Sanchez. Wenger has already ruled the Chilean out, per Metro's Simon Rice.
Wenger's men didn't need Sanchez last week, though, as they scored four times to win a thriller against Leicester City in north London. Summer signing Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring, and the Frenchman's movement and instincts in the box could give the Gunners the type of threat they have lacked for previous trips to Stoke.
Speaking of a threat up top, the Potters will have more of their own after signing ex-Real Madrid attacker Jese Rodriguez on loan. Stoke drew a blank against Everton last week, but Jese's pace and perceptive movement could test Arsenal's fragile defence.
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 22: Jese of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the International Champions Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur on July 22, 2017 in Orlando, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
If he starts, Jese might be rattled by coming face to face with Gunners summer signing Sead Kolasinac. The versatile defender was involved in a tackle that led to ligament damage for the Spanish forward in 2014, per Brendan McLoughlin of the Daily Mirror.
Expect goals in this one, with Arsenal's firepower likely to show up again, along with the club's shaky defending. The combination will add up to more frustration in Staffordshire for Wenger and the Gunners.
Similar frustration looks on the cards for Chelsea against Spurs. The latter beat the Blues at White Hart Lane last season, and a change of venue hasn't altered Tottenham's quality.
Spurs can still count on Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen to bring games to life in the final third. This trio will have too much for a suspect Chelsea defence further weakened by Gary Cahill's suspension following his red card accrued in last week's shock 3-2 defeat to Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea also won't be helped by playing at Wembley, a venue where the Blues have recently lost twice to Arsenal in the FA Cup final and Community Shield.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur in action during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The week's final game could prove to be its best, with ample attacking talent on both sides. Yet ironically, neither City nor Everton flexed their muscles going forward last weekend.
Two goals were all the Citizens had to show for complete territorial dominance against newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, the Toffees could only count on a lone goal from returning hero Wayne Rooney to beat Stoke at Goodison Park.
Former United man Rooney's return to Manchester is one of the more intriguing subplots. He was a thorn in City's side during his days with the Red Devils, and the 31-year-old is Everton's best bet of causing an upset on Monday.
However, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman may be more focused on frustrating City's efforts going forward. Dutchman Koeman once played with City boss Pep Guardiola for Barcelona, but it's the latter who believes in free-flowing and expansive football.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Wayne Rooney of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Stoke City at Goodison Park on August 12, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Koeman, on the other hand, is quite adept at stifling the opposition. He has the squad to do it thanks to holding midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin, as well as centre-back Michael Keane and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who were recruited in the summer.
Everton's most miserly quartet will need to concentrate on keeping City playmakers David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, along with striker Sergio Aguero, under wraps. If so, the Toffees can keep things tight and rely on exploiting set-piece situations, particularly if new signing Gylfi Sigurdsson is involved.
The former Swansea City ace who cost Everton £45 million, per BBC Sport, is one of the deadliest in the league creating chances from dead-ball situations, according to OptaJoe:
8 - Gylfi Sigurdsson assisted a league-high eight goals direct from dead ball scenarios last season in the @premierleague. Specialist. pic.twitter.com/Q9A7XkZet3
Koeman's war of attrition will work for a while, but eventually, City's creative class will tell.
Elsewhere, Manchester United should continue their impressive early form by edging out a win at Swansea, while Liverpool can get back on track against Crystal Palace at Anfield.
EPL Week 1 Predictions: Opening Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixtures
Aug 7, 2017
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP - Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goal against Manchester City in the first half of their match at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday, July 20, 2017. It is the first time the teams have played the Manchester derby outside of the United Kingdom. (Eric Christian Smith/AP Images for International Champions Cup)
Arsenal and Leicester City will officially get the 2017/18 Premier League season under way at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, when new Gunners striker Alexandre Lacazette figures to be a key player.
In fact, new strikers are the common theme of the opening round of fixtures. Manchester United signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton to score the goals to fire them to a title, and he gets his first chance on his Old Trafford debut against West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking of Everton, Wayne Rooney's return to the Toffees will garner a lot of attention when the 31-year-old takes to the Goodison Park pitch against Stoke City on Saturday, looking to prove the old magic hasn't gone.
Here are the opening fixtures and picks:
Arsenal vs. Leicester City: Arsenal 3-1
Watford vs. Liverpool: Liverpool 2-1
Chelsea vs. Burnley: Chelsea 2-0
Crystal Palace vs. Huddersfield Town: Palace 3-1
Everton vs. Stoke City: Everton 2-1
Southampton vs. Swansea City: Southampton 1-0
West Bromwich Albion vs. Bournemouth: 1-1
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester City: City 3-0
Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur: 2-2
Manchester United vs. West Ham United: 2-1
Date and time details for all the fixtures are available at the Premier League's official website.
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal
Arsenal paid Ligue 1 club Lyon an initial £46.5 million to sign Lacazette earlier this summer. The deal, which could rise to as much as £52.6 million, per BBC Sport, represented a club-record fee for the Gunners.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Sevilla at The Emirates Stadium on July 30, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mitchell Gunn/Getty Images)
Such a level of investment was a tacit acknowledgement from Arsenal about their lack of consistent firepower up front. It's a reasonable admission since Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Lucas Perez have all been inconsistent when played through the middle.
Stumping up this much cash also showed the faith Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has in Lacazette to deliver the goals. He is counting on the 26-year-old to stabilise a position in a state of flux ever since Robin van Persie joined United in 2012.
There is already confidence Lacazette will live up to his price tag. In fact, former United, Real Madrid and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has backed the France international to win the Premier League Golden Boot.
Speaking to the division's official website, BT Sport analyst Owen lauded Lacazette's track record in front of goal: "Alexandre Lacazette is a proven goalscorer. He had the highest chance conversion rate in Europe’s top five leagues last season and Arsenal create plenty of chances, so he should get plenty of opportunities."
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Michael Owen celebrates during the Star Sixe's match between England and Spain in the at The O2 Arena on July 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Laczaette's proficiency in putting chances away last season was summed up by Dave Fraser of The Sun: "Lacazette found the back of the net with exactly one-third of his shots, finding the net an astonishing 28 times, from just 84 shots."
Fraser also noted how "Arsenal's new man was the only player to shatter the 30 per cent-barrier" across Europe's top five leagues.
The pedigree for scoring goals is unquestionably there for Lacazette. Now he must prove he can do so consistently in England's ultra-competitive top flight.
The visit of a Leicester team still strong at the back will prove a good first test.
Wayne Rooney, Everton
Rooney is back at the club where he emerged as a 16-year-old boy wonder in late 2002. Now he's 31 and coming off a stuttering end to his decorated tenure at United.
RUZOMBEROK, SLOVAKIA - AUGUST 03: Wayne Rooney of Everton in action during the UEFA Europa League Qualifier between MFK Ruzomberok and Everton on August 3, 2017 in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. (Photo by Press Focus/MB Media/Getty Images)
It means the pressure is on the veteran striker to prove he still has what it takes to score at the highest level. Rooney is no lock to regularly start during his second spell with the Toffees, though.
The Merseyside club have also signed striker Sandro Ramirez from Malaga and continue to be linked with Arsenal target man Olivier Giroud, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo.
Rooney has also had a busy pre-season and came in for ridicule from United fans on social media after an awkward display in Everton's UEFA Europa League qualifier second leg against MFK Ruzomberok on Thursday, per the Daily Star's Peter Truman.
Despite any early struggles during his Everton return, Rooney's experience of winning major trophies will prove invaluable to manager Ronald Koeman's squad. That's the view of former Toffees striker Kevin Campbell, who said, per another report from Jones: "To now have him in and around the squad, someone who knows how to win trophies, knows how to control games—I think it's vital."
RUZOMBEROK, SLOVAKIA - AUGUST 03: Wayne Rooney in action during the UEFA Europa League Qualifier between MFK Ruzomberok and Everton on August 3, 2017 in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. (Photo by Press Focus/MB Media/Getty Images)
Rooney's best years are behind him, but he still boasts the technique, vision and scoring touch that are timeless at the top level. He will be the catalyst for Everton's bid to challenge the top six after a summer of big spending.
Getting off the mark in his second league debut in front of home support will be a great start.
Romelu Lukaku
If Lacazette and Rooney are under pressure to deliver, it's nothing compared to the weight of expectation facing Lukaku at Old Trafford. He must prove he can justify the initial £75 million United paid to pry him away from Everton.
Lukaku's new manager, Jose Mourinho has already made it clear he wants more from the attacker he once shunned when in charge of Chelsea, per Charles Perrin of the Daily Express.
Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho gestures before the pre-season friendly game between Manchester United and Sampdoria at the Aviva stadium in Dublin on August 2, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Paul FAITH (Photo credit should read PAUL FAIT
Mourinho's sentiment is echoed by United legend Ryan Giggs, who has urged Lukaku to improve, per Tim Clement of Sky Sports:
"He's still got to work on his first touch but he has already been scoring plenty at West Brom and Everton and will get more chances at Old Trafford.
What he won't have experienced is the pressure of being a Manchester United forward. He wouldn't have felt that before and you can't get away with the odd mediocre performance."
Lukaku is making a big step up, but the 24-year-old is still young enough to learn and get better.
On the surface, the Belgium international must improve against other members of the top six, after "21 of his 25 Premier League goals came against the bottom 13 teams in the league" last season, per Mark Jones of the Daily Mirror.
Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku (R) hits a header past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes (L) during the International Champions Cup soccer match at NRG Stadium on July 20, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Manchester United won 2-0. / AFP PHOTO / AA
However, United's problem last season was scoring against teams outside the top six. Home draws against Stoke City, Burnley and Bournemouth proved particularly damaging.
Lukaku's penchant for scoring against so-called "lesser" teams could be just what United need as they bid for the title during Mourinho's second season in charge.
West Ham will offer a stern first test, even at Old Trafford, thanks to the presence of former United striker Javier Hernandez. However, a home fixture against a side that finished 11th last season seems like the ideal opportunity for Lukaku to get his career with the Red Devils started the right way.
United, Arsenal and Everton are relying on new strikers to help them fulfil lofty ambitions in the new season. Fortunately, Lukaku, Lacazette and Rooney all look primed to make fast starts over the opening weekend.
Wayne Rooney Selling £500 Hugs to Raise Money for Charity
Jul 19, 2017
Everton's new signing, English striker Wayne Rooney poses for a photograph with his club shirt after giving a press conference at Goodison Park in Liverpool on July 10, 2017, following his move to Everton from Manchester United.
Rooney, whose move comes after United announced they had agreed terms with Everton over buying striker Romelu Lukaku, will hope the switch revives his international career. / AFP PHOTO / Paul ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Newly returned Everton icon Wayne Rooney will reportedly show his softer side with a £500-per-hug charity fundraiser.
ESPN FC's Chris Wright reported A1 Sporting Speakers agency has organised the event, which will take place in September. A spokesman for the company said:
"It's a chance to shake hands or hug a true English legend and the best player of his generation and to benefit our chosen charity on the day."
"United fans can meet him and say thanks. Everton fans can greet their new player, who has always been a Toffee. Take some selfies. Get two or three things signed."
Rooney returned to boyhood club Everton on a free transfer from Manchester United earlier in July, and England's all-time record goalscorer is already giving back to the community on Merseyside.
It will still cost a couple £1,000 to get their hands on Rooney, who makes his Goodison Park comeback after 13 years at Old Trafford.
A1 Sporting Speakers make sure to note the hug-a-thon is open for United and Everton supporters alike, which is little surprise given the service he paid to the Red Devils, despite this summer's exit:
The sum is a princely price to pay for a few seconds of contact with Rooney, who is also United's all-time top scorer with 253 goals, while selfies and handshakes are also available to those willing to pay.
Wayne Rooney to Be Offered Manchester United Ambassadorial Role After Retirement
Jul 18, 2017
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney will reportedly be offered a global ambassadorial role with Manchester United when he opts to retire from playing.
The Englishman left Old Trafford this summer after 13 years to return to boyhood club Everton, but the offer of the ambassadorial role that was included in his final United contract, signed in 2014, remains on the table, according to David McDonnell in the Mirror.
McDonnell added that, due to his departure to Goodison Park, United have no contractual obligation any longer to give Rooney the ambassadorial role—which will see him "travelling the world promoting [the club]"—but sources have confirmed the offer remains.
Rooney became a peripheral figure at United last season under manager Jose Mourinho.
However, he remained the club's captain and also passed Sir Bobby Charlton as the Red Devils' all-time record goalscorer when he netted against Stoke City in January.
Rooney, 31, departed Old Trafford with a remarkable record:
—13 years —12 major trophies —253 goals
Wayne Rooney won it all at Manchester United—now it's time for the next chapter 🔴🔵 https://t.co/7Y8StEdEet
He will no longer retire at the club, but his huge contribution is set to still be rewarded with the offer to carry on representing United when he hangs up his boots.
Wayne Rooney Offers Romelu Lukaku Advice About Playing for Manchester United
Jul 16, 2017
Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (L) embraces Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (R) after the final whistle of the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Everton and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London on April 23, 2016.
A late goal by their French striker Anthony Martial gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over Everton and a place in the FA Cup final. / AFP / BEN STANSALL / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has warned Romelu Lukaku he has to be "strong enough mentally" to succeed at Old Trafford, offering the striker advice about playing for the Red Devils following their switch.
Rooney moved back to Goodison Park on a free transfer this month, while Lukaku traded places in a £75 million deal. The Englishman implored United's new frontman to show strong resolve above all else, per the Mirror's Simon Mullock:
"Playing for Manchester United is a test of character, as well as your ability.
"You have got to be strong enough mentally to accept the challenge because United is a football club that demands success.
"Romelu has to be strong enough to take up that challenge. If he does that, then, with the ability he has got, he will be a success. But if he doesn't face the challenge, if he worries about things, then it will be more difficult for him. Hopefully, Romelu has got people there who will give him the right guidance and get the best out of him."
Rooney understands what it means to inherit a legacy at a young age. He was only 18 when he joined the Red Devils, also from Everton, as part of a £26 million deal back in 2004.
The Press Association recently outlined the finer details behind Lukaku's big-money move to Old Trafford and Rooney's return to Everton, with differing levels of pressure applied to both:
Rooney also touched upon the lost group of leaders' voices inside the United dressing room as a factor that works against Lukaku and indeed the rest of manager Jose Mourinho's team.
The former England captain told how the "Class of '92"—now-retired stars such as Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs—had a crucial impact on his development before explaining those kind of figures are no longer present:
"There are standards that you have to keep when you are at Manchester United. That came from then manager Sir Alex Ferguson when I went to United, and it was then passed down through the dressing room by the likes of Giggsy, Gary Neville and Scholesy.
"Over the last few years, it was down to me and Michael Carrick to keep the new players maintaining those standards. That became more difficult over the last few years, with some of the players who joined the club. There are traditions at United that have to be maintained. It's become harder, but that's not my problem anymore. I'm just ecstatic to be back at Everton."
But Mourinho may encourage new changing-room voices to emerge amid the new-look squad, with Carrick still present and vice-captain Ander Herrera not one to shy away from such responsibilities.
At 24 years of age, Lukaku holds a six-year advantage over Rooney in terms of his United arrival, and it's worth noting the Belgian already failed to blossom at Chelsea following his first high-profile move in 2011.
The new Red Devils frontman will hope that, coupled with his experiences at Everton and West Bromwich Albion, will put him in good stead to deal with the pressures of life at United and the success he hopes will come with it.
Wayne Rooney Scores Stunning Goal 34 Minutes into Everton Return
Just days after being announced as an Everton player, making a triumphant return to his boyhood club, the Englishman had a stunning remember-me moment 34 minutes into his second debut.
Facing Gor Mahia in Tanzania, Manchester United and England's all-time leading scorer hit a stunning strike from distance to properly announce his return.
