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Wayne Rooney Rules out Premier League Return, Targets Retirement with DC United
November 14, 2018
Wayne Rooney has ruled out the possibility of returning to the Premier League on loan during MLS' offseason and stated his intention to retire with DC United.
DC United won't be back in action until MLS' 2019 season starts in next March, but Rooney will not be returning to England in the meantime.
Per the Evening Standard, he said:
"I've seen talk of a loan back here and I'm not prepared to do that. With my family, it wouldn't be fair to come back and forward.
"I made the decision to obviously go to the States. When I make a decision, I tend to stick to it. It's important that I give my full commitment to DC. I will finish my career there."
Sky Sports Premier League shared Rooney's comments at a press conference:
Rooney spoke ahead of a farewell appearance for the England national team in Thursday's friendly against the United States.
His comments echoed those he has previously made on the matter:
The 33-year-old joined DC United in the summer, a year after swapping Manchester United for boyhood club Everton.
He enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in MLS, racking up 12 goals and six assists in 21 appearances for his new side.
Here's one of his most impressive highlights:
Rooney's superb form had a transformative effect on DC's fortunes. The side had won just two of their 14 matches before he arrived, but they triumphed in 12 of the 21 matches in which he appeared.
Despite arriving midway through the season, his efforts earned him a nomination for MLS' MVP award.
Opting against a return looks to be a wise decision, though. Rooney's ability to impact Premier League matches in a positive way had been declining before he left.
By resting he should be fresh for the start of next season with DC. If he has a full season with them playing anything like as well as he did this year, they'll reap the rewards of that.