Wayne Rooney reveals he slept in Everton pyjamas for his entire 13-year Manchester United career

The 31-year-old left Old Trafford after 13 years on Sunday

Wayne Rooney has spent the last 13 years at Manchester United, and the last three captaining the club, but has admitted to sleeping in Everton pyjamas the whole time.

The 31-year-old completed his return to Goodison Park on Sunday having rejected more lucrative contracts from China and the United States and will wear the No 10 shirt as Romelu Lukaku prepares to go in the other direction.

Rooney made his name as a 16-year-old in the blue of Everton and revealed a shirt reading ‘once a Blue, always a Blue’. And, after leaving Old Trafford, his omission would appear that he wasn’t lying.

“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.”

Rooney became United’s all-time leading goalscorer last season but spent the majority of the season warming the substitutes’ bench and was reduced to a small cameo in the Europa League final victory.

However, Rooney was unable to hide his excitement at returning home after signing a two-year contract on Merseyside.

“It’s a great feeling to be back,” added Rooney, who will be looking to add to the 17 goals in 77 games he scored 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.

“I have come back to Everton because I believe Ronald Koeman is building a team that can win something and I look forward to playing my part in making that a reality for the club I have supported since a boy. Winning trophies with ­Everton would be the pinnacle.

“I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I’m ecstatic. I’m not just coming back because it’s the team I support, the team I grew up playing for – I’m coming back because I feel the club can move forward and be successful.

“I want to be part of it. There will be pressure on me to perform, but I’m ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch.”