After spending 16 years of his professional career in the Premier League, English soccer superstar Wayne Rooney will take his talent to Major League Soccer (MLS), signing a multi-year contract with D.C. United.
Sources told the Washington Post that the 32-year-old Rooney signed a 2 ½-year guaranteed deal worth around $13 million. D.C. United will have an option for another year. D.C. United will also pay Everton, Rooney's former Premier League club, an undisclosed amount as transfer free.
The deal makes Rooney the highest-paid player in D.C. United history. He will also give the team the needed boost and the needed marquee name to attract fans to its new stadium -- Audi Field.
Rooney will arrive in Washington on Thursday and will join the team's training soon. He will wear No. 9 when he suits up for the team for the first time on July 14 against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Rooney will play in 20 MLS matches for D.C. United, including 15 home games at their new stadium.
Rooney Excited Over Joining D.C. United
In a statement, Rooney expressed excitement over joining D.C. United, especially in time for the opening its new stadium. Rooney added that playing in MLS is a fulfillment of another career dream.
"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," Rooney says, who suited up for Everton and Manchester United in his Premier League career.
According to D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen, the arrival of Rooney will help the team win the MLS crown. Olsen expects Rooney to help the team in different ways, especially on the field with his leadership and scoring ability.
Rooney is the latest big-name football player who joined the MLS late in their career. The Los Angeles Galaxy signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season. Before that, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and Kaká played the latter years of the professional careers in the MLS.
Rooney Played 16 Seasons in Premier League
Rooney has 16 Premier League seasons in his resume. He joined Everton during the 2001-2002 season and made his debut for the team in 2002. In 2004, he signed with Manchester United where he played for 13 seasons.
Rooney ended his stint with the Manchester United as the team's leading goal scorer with 253 goals in all competition. Rooney's 208 Premier League goals in 491 games placed him second to Alan Shearer in the league's all-time goal-scoring list. Rooney was England national team's all-time leading goal scorer with 53 in 119 games.
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