On the day Wayne Rooney completed an emotional return to Goodison Park, he revealed his love for his boyhood team meant he had worn Everton pyjamas even when Manchester United captain.

Rooney rejected more lucrative contracts from China and the United States in order to “go home” and his return to Everton is a reminder that he never stopped supporting the club, even after his high-profile move to United.

It is understood Rooney, who had one year left on his United contract, has also taken a significant pay cut on the £350,000 a week he earned at Old Trafford because he was so determined to play again for the club that launched his Premier League career when he was a ­precociously gifted 16-year-old.

Sources close to the player have claimed he wanted to make sure his three sons saw him play in Everton blue before he retired and, having finally ended a 13-year career at United, Rooney made a startling confession.

“I’ve kept it quiet for the last 13 years, but I’ve actually been wearing Everton pyjamas at home with my kids,” Rooney said. “I had to keep that a bit quiet It’s great. [Wearing the Everton shirt] feels as special as it did 13 years ago and I’m just looking forward now to getting out on the pitch with it on.’

View photos Rooney is unveiled by Everton Credit: Getty Images More

Although some will question why Everton have worked so hard to re-sign a player they sold for £27 million in 2004, who is in the twilight of his career, Ronald Koeman, Everton’s manager, insisted he was convinced the England ­international still had much to ­offer, both on and off the pitch.

Rooney’s critics have suggested he is a fading force after a flat final season on the fringes of the first team at United, but that will not sour the move for anyone on the blue half of Merseyside. Certainly, the former England captain, who has signed a two-year contract, made no attempt to mask his excitement at his homecoming.

View photos Then and now: Wayne Rooney's two Everton spells split by 13 years More

“It’s a great feeling to be back,” added Rooney, who scored 17 goals in 77 games in his first spell at Goodison Park. “It is some time since I said that the only Premier League club I would play for other than Manchester United was Everton, so I am delighted that the move has happened.

“Thirteen years ago, I went to United with the intention of ­winning trophies and I have been ­fortunate to be a part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

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