Wayne Rooney was met by hundreds of fans on Thursday night as he touched down in Washington after completing his move to DC United from Everton.
The former Manchester United and England captain boarded the plane after agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the MLS side earlier the same day, but will not be officially named on the DC squad list until July 10 when the transfer window opens.
Rooney, who has become the latest football icon to make the switch from Europe to the US, was welcomed by his new fans with opened arms as they fought over 32-year-old's autograph.
Wayne Rooney wears a DC United scarf as he arrives in Washington following his move
Rooney landed in Washington on Thursday as he looks ahead to his MLS debut
The veteran forward was sporting a DC United scarf as touched down in the capital before greeting his new beloved supporters.
His move follows initial meetings with the club as they sought to iron out the finer details of a £12.5million move, which initially broke down as Rooney elected to re-consider his place at Goodison Park. After conducting his review though, he decided the MLS was the place for him.
He follows in the footsteps of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard just to name a few, who have all enjoyed spells in the MLS as they slowed down in their respective careers.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ashley Cole will also meet him as rivals, currently playing for LA Galaxy.
The former Manchester United and England captain was surrounded by fans as he arrived
Fans and press alike surround him as they seek to get a glimpse of the new DC star
Upon arrival, Rooney described the move as another 'career ambition' he has fulfilled. He also Tweeted: 'Excited to be starting the next chapter of my career but just want to thank all the Everton fans for their amazing support last season. It meant a lot.'
And he has also been sent well-wishes from his former club and international colleagues.
Manchester United tweeted a touching tribute to their once prolific front man, writing: 'A true legend. Thank you for the memories and best of luck in MLS @WayneRooney!'
Toffees winger Theo Walcott also wrote: 'Good luck @WayneRooney & thank you for everything you have done'.
The 32-year-old grins as he becomes the latest European star to make a move to the MLS
Rooney is looking ahead to his third club since he began his professional career at Everton back in 2002 before spending much of footballing life in the red of Manchester United.
Rooney is used to being at the forefront of any team he has played for, and it will be no different when he steps out on DC's brand new Audi Field stadium on the opening day of the MLS season on July 14 - where they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The 20,000-capacity stadium is likely to be sold out for Rooney's debut, which will come the day before the World Cup final in Russia.
No comments:
Post a Comment