Former
Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has completed his move to D.C.
United, after the MLS club and Everton confirmed on Thursday that a transfer
agreement has been reached.
The
announcement comes after Rooney, 32, posted a picture showing himself flying to
the United States earlier in the day. D.C. United confirmed Rooney has signed a
multi-year deal shortly after Everton announced an undisclosed transfer fee had
been agreed.
Rooney
will wear the No. 9 shirt and make his MLS debut when D.C. plays its first game
in its newly constructed stadium, Audi Field, on July 14 against the Vancouver
Whitecaps.
“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 said in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
D.C.
United did not reveal any contract details, but the Washington Post said Rooney
will become the franchise’s highest-paid player after signing a
two-and-a-half-year contract that will pay him about $13 million in total.
In
Everton’s statement announcing the transfer, the Premier League club suggested
Rooney was going to sign a deal for three and a half years.
Rooney
could start training with his new team by the end of this week, according to
the Post, which reported that he has already secured his U.S. visa and work
permit. An introductory news conference has been scheduled for Monday morning.
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