New Everton signing Wayne Rooney has revealed that Ronald Koeman was the biggest influence in his return to the club from Manchester United.
The Red Devils' all-time leading scorer completed a move back to his boyhood club this afternoon following a trophy-laden 13-year stay at Old Trafford, signing a two-year deal at Goodison Park.
Rooney revealed that Everton was the only other club in England he would have joined, and credited the manager for convincing him that it was the right move for him at this stage of his career.
"As I've said for the last few years, if I left Manchester United, there's only Everton and Manchester United I'd play for - I wouldn't play for another Premier League team. I was true to that and I firmly meant that. I didn't want to play for another club in England other than Everton," he told the club's official website.
"Once I knew Everton were interested and wanted to sign me, I made my agent aware, 'Go and speak to them, let's make it happen. That's where I want to go'. Ronald Koeman was very influential in me coming here. When it was obvious I was going to be leaving Manchester United this summer, Ronald came out a few times and said how much he wanted me at the club and that had a huge impact on me.
"There were other options there but once I knew that Everton wanted me to come back then it was the only option for me. Bill [Kenwright] obviously played a big role in it but the important one was Ronald Koeman. He was the one who picks the team and he's the one who has his ideas on the football pitch.
"There were a lot more things behind the scenes which needed to happen but, for me, the important person to speak to was Ronald Koeman. As I spoke to Ronald and saw it in his eyes that he wanted me to be part of his team, it was a no-brainer for me and the only place I was going to go."
Rooney scored 17 goals in 77 appearances for Everton before joining United in 2004, where he went on to net 253 times in 559 outings.
Barney Corkhill
