Wayne Rooney has revealed that he joined Everton in the summer as he wanted the pressure of having to prove himself to the supporters.
The 32-year-old, in an interview with former Toffees midfielder Kevin Kilbane, shared that he had offers to play abroad and earn big money, but chose to go to Everton instead.
“That’s not me (regarding the big money moves), I need those goals, I need that pressure, that desire to play would have been lost if I’d chosen that other option,” said Rooney on BBC Football Focus.
“I knew that coming back to Everton was more pressure, that’s what I wanted.”
“I wanted to prove myself again to the Everton fans and to try to help this club move forward and win silverware.”
Rooney joined the Toffees in the summer from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee and signed a two-year contract upon joining.
This meant that the 32-year-old returned to Goodison Park after 13 years at Man United, where he scored 253 goals in 559 appearances.
Man United paid Everton £24million to sign Rooney in 2004.
Since re-joining the Toffees this season, the 32-year-old has made 31 appearances and scored 11 goals.
OPINION
Rooney’s return to Everton was smart decision by him and the club. When the 32-year-old left Goodison Park in 2004, there was some supporters who were upset by him departing. However, it was understandable that Rooney needed to leave in order to win the trophies that his talent deserved. It’s interesting that the forward shared his need to prove himself to Everton supporters as while his departure may have annoyed them, deep down they probably knew he had to be selfish regarding his career. Rooney may not have the stamina or speed he once had, but he has certainly proven his use to Everton this season by grabbing them 11 goals.