Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has opened the door for Wayne Rooney to return to the Premier League in the future.
Rooney called time on his 16-year career in the English top flight when he joined DC United during the summer, where he has since scored 10 goals and created six more in just 18 appearances.
Hodgson was keen to sign the 32-year-old when he initially became surplus to requirements at Everton, and confirmed that he would be "welcome" at Selhurst Park should he ever decide to return to English football.
"I think he left England too early. He still has much to offer. He is doing fantastically well. At DC they were well down in the league when he got there, but since he's arrived he has been fantastic, not just scoring goals, but decisive goals, like the one we saw in midweek," Hodgson told reporters.
"There is no doubt the talent he has and he is showing he could still play top level English football. But it was his decision and after Manchester United and Everton, where he had tremendous affinity, deep roots, maybe he would not have been that interested in playing for another English club outside those two. It was a conscious decision to play abroad. I have a great deal of respect for Wayne, and I think he does for me.
"I would have loved him here at Palace, but he thought long and hard about his decision, and without a shadow of doubt would have talked it over with his family, because he is very much a family man. They all probably decided at this stage their our lives this is what we need.
"But all good players who want to play for Palace are always welcome – should we be able to afford them! I am delighted to see what success he is having. I guess he is doing what DC United were really hoping for when they signed him. They just didn't want a figure-head but also a player who can win them matches and he has done that."
Rooney was Hodgson's captain for much of his spell as England manager.
Barney Corkhill
