I’m no football expert, but is Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton a feel-good story or a bit on the nose?
Imagine a young couple from a small town. They meet in high school, fall in love, then get married at 17. It’s a beautiful love story.
Then, after a couple of years marriage, the young husband gets itchy feet. He wants more out of life, so when he meets a glamorous and wealthy girl, he can’t help having an affair with her.
He divorces his young wife and goes off to marry the glamour girl and live in the big city.
There’s a fabulous wild ride for 13 years, although to tell the truth, the last couple were a bit rocky. There were rumours Glamour Girl was getting itchy feet and wanted to date other men, so to speak.
So what does the guy do? Leaves the big city and goes back to his high school sweetheart, who takes him back with open arms.
Such is the story of English footballer, Wayne Rooney. A teenage prodigy at Everton, he gave their fans hope of not just beating local rivals Liverpool, but also competing for the Premier League itself.
Instead, he went off to top club Manchester United and won titles, played in Europe, captained England, and so on.
Now United have moved on to a new era and Rooney’s not part of it. So he’s gone back to Everton. Trouble is, Rooney’s best years are behind him. Sure, he’s only 31, but his entire 20s, when he could have been scoring goals for Everton, were spent scoring goals for Manchester United.
Why should they take back this washed up old hack who gave his best years to another club?
Rooney’s returned to Everton to wear the No.10 shirt, the shirt worn last season by Romelu Lukaku, who’s all set to sign for… Manchester United.
OK, maybe Rooney still has something to offer the club he jilted. Perhaps he can squeeze another two or three years out of the old legs. Maybe he can get them up to a few places off the top four.
But how do Everton fans feel about Wayne Rooney’s return: are they happy to see their prodigal son back, or angry their club’s signed this old hack who left them in the lurch 13 years ago? Is it a case of forgiveness or fury?
Or maybe this is just another day at the office in a sport where concepts like loyalty went out at the same time as 1970s mullets.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I'm an Evertonian and I'm stoked he's coming 'home'. I'm sure there's plenty who are dirty with him for leaving but I wasn't and have followed his career. I think he's still got a lot to offer and it's definitely a feel good story. While I'm sure he wouldn't be back if the money wasn't right, a superstar returning to his boyhood club does feel like one of those moments were not everything is about the almighty dollar. May not actually be that way but it feels like it.
Liam Sheedy
Roar Guru
I was not originally thrilled when the rumors of a Rooney return were doing the rounds mainly due to wages but I have warmed to the idea in the last couple of weeks and now I am genuinely excited. Everton do not expect Rooney to be the messiah, he will be one of many additions to the squad who will all have a role to play for Everton to improve. He certainly still has something to offer and he might prove a few critics wrong along the way.
AnD
Guest
Rooney did not leave Everton in the lurch when he headed to United either. They were in desperate need of money ad the Rooney sale helped to balance the books and set the club on a very good lather over the next decade. In 2004-05, just after his sale, Everton qualified for the Champions League. If it wasn't for a stitch up from UEFA and some of the worst refereeing By Collina, they'd have had a real go at it (only bowing out to semi finalists in a thriller anyhow). There is no sentiment in football anymore. If he's good enough he will play. If not, there's little risk for Everton, they didn't pay any money for him. They're not stopping at Rooney anyhow, the club is actively searching for another first team striker. They've got plenty of games and Rooney will certainly figure in quite a few.
James
Guest
'Washed up old hack'? That's the best description you can come up with for the Premier League's second in all time greatest goalscorer? Rooney struggled with injury and consistent game time last year and was played in too many positions. He will undoubtedly be a great signing for Everton and will be treated warmly by fans. Rooney would not have achieved the successful career he has had, if he had remained at Everton. No one would hold it against him for signing for ManU when he did. For someone reporting on the Premier League, your level of expertise is cringe worthy really...31 is ok? Zlatan? I'd go as far to say Rooney, if he remains relatively injury free will be in the top five epl goalscorers and will have his England spot back by the end of the year.
Duncan Smith
Guest
I hope you're right as it would be great to see Everton up near the top, and maybe Rooney can take them there.
Nemesis
Guest
Wayne Rooney will be 32 for most of the next EPL season. 32 years old is meaningless for players who are smart & have not only relied on physical power to get to the top. Wayne Rooney is a very smart footballer. He knows when to run, where to run, when not to run. He knows how to score. It will be interesting to see where Koeman uses Wayne. If he has a defined role & doesn’t try to do too much, i can see him being a very important player for Everton.
At work
Roar Rookie
If I were an Everton supporter, I would be happy to see him come back home. Although I'd be very disappointed if they don't spend the fortune they just got from Lukaku on a suitable starting replacement, and have Rooney come off the bench