Wayne Rooney put through his paces as returning Everton star arrives for first day back in £105,000 BMW i8
Former Manchester United captain goes back to where it all started after dream return to Toffees
WAYNE ROONEY arrives back at where it all started to take part in Everton training.
But unlike the 16-year-old kid who could not even drive at the time, Rooney pulls up to Finch Farm in a flash £105,000 BMW i8.
He couldn't hide his delight at sealing an emotional return back to the Toffees, speaking to the press, he said of his United career: "It hadn’t gone stale. But I needed to play more games. I didn’t play that often.
"It's obviously frustrating. My whole career, I've played and it was the first time I was on the bench and it's not me. I need to play.
"When I wasn't playing, it was frustrating but obviously I was captain of Manchester United so I had to stay positive. It was tough but that's football. Some players will accept not playing for a few weeks but that's not me."
He also revealed how he is hoping to end Everton's 22-year wait for a trophy, he added: "I always play like I have got a point to prove. I’m not coming back into a retirement home.
"I feel good. I’m not fit at the minute but it will build up in the next few weeks. I’m ready for it. With Ronald’s ideas and the players that we are bringing in… it’s on us. It’s up to us to make sure (we win trophies).
"There were other options, but once I knew Ronald was interested in bringing me back to Everton it was really a no-brainer. It was the only place I was going to be playing my football."
Everton transfer news
Fresh from his dream return to Goodison Park, the former Manchester United captain now begins the hard work to break into the Toffees team - again.
The 31-year-old is desperate to prove he can still hack it at the top level after being frozen out at Old Trafford.
And he was immediately put through his paces by new manager Ronald Koeman.
Rooney looks thrilled to be back at his home club as he jogs alongside his new teammates.
He nestles in among the players and has his brain picked by Koeman.
Rooney signed for Everton on a two-year contract worth about £150k a week following 13 years at United.
Goodison boss Koeman is confident his gamble in the Everton local will pay off.
He said: "Wayne has shown me the ambition that we need and that winning mentality.
“He knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home.
“He loves Everton and was desperate to come back. He’s still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic that he’s here.
“He knows how to win titles and don’t forget the experience he will give to the rest of the team.
“He’s an experienced player. We have a lot of young players and, sometimes in life, you need somebody who you look up to, who you learn from.
“One of the functions for Wayne is to show the rest of the team why he is – and still is – that player.”
While Rooney's explosive comeback is stealing the headlines at Everton, there still remains a cloud over Ross Barkley's head.
The England midfielder wants to leave the club this summer but Koeman is holding out on a £50million return on him.
Despite that, the 23-year-old arrived on time for pre-season training in his swish £190k Range Rover Overfinch.
Aaron Lennon, who was in May detained under the Mental Health Act by police, turned up in a stunning black Bentley, while winger Yannick Bolsie drove his stylish Rolls Royce to training.