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Yannick Bolaise tells talkSPORT: 'Wayne Rooney is world class. He will bring leadership to Everton'

Yannick Bolasie tells talkSPORT: ‘Wayne Rooney is world class. He will bring leadership to Everton’

Yannick Bolasie has told talkSPORT he is relishing the chance to learn from 'world class' Wayne Rooney.

The Toffees re-signed England's record goalscorer from Manchester United last week as they continued their impressive rebuild under Ronald Koeman.

Davy Klaassen, Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane have also arrived at Goodison Park in the close season and Bolasie is excited by what the future holds for the Merseyside club.

The winger, who will miss the first half of the new season with a knee injury, said: "I'm itching to get the shirt on.

"There are some top quality players that have come in, especially Rooney, who is world class. He will bring a leader's mentality and it will be good to learn off him.

"The signings we have made have definitely made the team stronger. The competition for places is going to be strong, but that is what I live for and I am looking forward to fighting for my place. It will bring another level to my game."

Rooney has traded places with Romelu Lukaku at Everton, with the Belgian striker completing a £75million switch to Manchester United on Monday.

Lukaku has been the Toffees' top goalscorer for the past four seasons and Bolasie wishes him nothing but the best at his new club - but he is confident Everton will thrive without him.

“At Everton we have made some great signings that can cover Rom’s goals in all different types of ways,” he said.

“We just have to move on and we look forward to the future because the future for us is exciting."

Bolasie was speaking from Tanzania, where Everton are playing a friendly against Kenyan side Gor Mahia on Thursday.

The Congo international travelled with the squad as he continues his recovery from injury and received a rapturous welcome from locals on his arrival [see below].

Asked when he expects to be back playing, he replied: “That is my secret!

“I'm confident that it will be by the end of the year, but it should be earlier than that.

“I’m developing nicely. There have been no setbacks as of yet. I will keep my little return date in my head and probably let you know in a month or so!”

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