Wayne Rooney dreams of European success with Everton

Wayne Rooney will fulfill a lifelong ambition on Thursday night, when he makes his first ever appearance in Europe wearing an Everton shirt.

Wayne Rooney has seen and done it all, since making his professional first team debut more than 14 years ago. He’s won the Premier League and Champions League, he’s been named PFA Player of the year and he’s the all-time leading goalscorer for both Manchester United and England.

And yet, Rooney still hasn’t achieved everything he wants to in his storied career, which is one of the reasons he decided to make a shock return to his boyhood team. If Everton can win just one trophy with him in the team, then he can retire a happy man.

The 31-year-old has other dreams in mind, which will become more easily recognized on Thursday night. That’s because he will get to play in Europe, wearing his beloved Blues’ jersey.

Interestingly, Rooney’s first official competitive appearance in an Everton shirt, will be in the same competition where he played his last ever game for United. The match versus Ajax provided a fitting end to his time in Manchester, as they won the Europa League.

Understandably, the forward can’t wait to take the field on Thursday night, versus MFK Ruzomberok. Speaking to Richard Tanner of the Express, he said:

"“Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe for Everton…Obviously I won the trophy last year so I’m hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.”"

Rooney enjoyed many a successful night in Europe for the Red Devils, scoring 39 goals in 98 games. Manger Ronald Koeman will obviously be hoping he can put this experience to good use, including helping some of the younger players adapt to the European stage.

Adding extra meaning to the Croxteth-born star’s competitive return for the Toffees, is the fact the first leg will take place at Goodison Park. Speaking to Tanner, he said:

"“The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I’m looking forward to it. It has always been a special place to come and play, even when I’ve been on the opposing side.”"

Opinion is split on how productive Rooney will be in the months ahead, even though he has impressed during the preseason and scored twice. At least Evertonians will now start to get a clearer picture, beginning on Thursday night under the bright lights of Goodison Park.

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Obviously no one can know for sure how the season will pan out at this stage. However, what kind of performance are you expecting on Thursday night, both for Wayne Rooney and Everton as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.