Manchester United and Everton legend, Wayne Rooney, has been inducted into the Premier League
Rooney became one of the first two inductees of 2022, with six others expected to join them from a shortlist of 25 former players.
Nicknamed Wazza, Rooney joins the select group as the second-highest scorer in Premier League history, after inaugural inductee Alan Shearer, having struck 208 goals in 491 appearances. He also provided 103 assists, a tally only beaten by two players.
“It’s a huge honour for me to be named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, alongside an incredible group of players who have already been inducted,” Rooney says.
“Growing up, I watched the Premier League as far back as I can remember. My dream was always to become a professional footballer, score goals and win trophies, and I was lucky enough to win the Premier League five times.
“I have so many brilliant memories from my years playing for Everton and Manchester United, and I’m really proud of what we achieved. To enter the Hall of Fame is very special for me personally and I’m grateful to be recognised.”
The Derby County coach began his EPL career as a 16-year-old Everton striker against Arsenal before joining Manchester United at the age of 18.
Rooney scored 183 Premier League goals in 13 seasons at Old Trafford to become the club’s record scorer in the competition. He won the League five times, including three in a row between 2006/07 and 2008/09.
He was named Player of the Month five times and won the League’s Player of the Season award in 2009/10.
He then had a fairytale return to Everton, scoring 10 goals including the November 2017 Goal of the Month, before calling time on his Premier League career with a move to DC United in MLS. He returned to English football at Derby County, where he is now the manager.
