Wayne Rooney insists his desire to win is as strong as it ever has ever been in his illustrious career and fans who think he has switched to the MLS to see out his career are wide of the mark.
Ex-England skipper Rooney signed for DC United on a three-and-a-half-year deal after departing Everton at the end of the Premier League season. And former Manchester United ace Rooney, who is aged 32, says he is eagerly anticipating reigniting his career in a similar fashion to those who have trodden a similar path before him, including icons such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Jermain Defoe.
Rooney, who scored a hugely impressive 208 goals in 16 seasons in the prestigious top flight of English football, has been quick to point out that he retains his hunger for success and has a passion to prove he can still massively contribute to the DC United cause when he takes to the pitch.
He joins the Eastern Conference side as they sit bottom of the table with two wins from 14 games and at a time when they have just unveiled a new 20,000-seater ground at Buzzard Point.
He said:
“It is fantastic to be joining DC United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks. Moving to America and the MLS fulfils another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give DC 100 per cent — 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.”
Jason Levien, the CEO of DC United, says the capture of Rooney shows the level to which the club and the league has risen. He said:
“This is a seminal moment for our fans and organisation. Wayne is a global soccer icon and his presence at DC United will elevate our product on the pitch and soccer as a whole in our city and in this country. Wayne has thrived when competing at the most elite levels of soccer and we’re thrilled to have his leadership as we enter this new era at Audi Field.”
Meanwhile, general manager Dave Kasper has hailed Rooney’s arrival at the club and says he is “beyond excited”, adding:
“Wayne is undoubtedly one of the best players in Premier League history and his goal scoring record for club and country speaks for itself. He is a world-class player and he elevates those around him, both through his work-ethic and winning mentality. We are beyond excited to add someone of Rooney’s calibre and we are thrilled to welcome him to DC.”
Rooney is expected to make his DC United debut at Audi Field’s inaugural match when they play the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14.
