After weeks of speculation, former England captain Wayne Rooney swapped football for soccer today, arriving in Washington to join beleaguered Major League Soccer side DC United.
While the club remained tight-lipped, it was a not-so-cryptic tweet that confirmed the rumors: the 32-year-old on a flight, grinning with thumbs up, his photo captioned by an American flag emoji. Everton and United later officially confirmed the transfer news.
"Everton and Wayne Rooney have reached an agreement for the player to join MLS (Major League Soccer) side DC United on a permanent transfer," said a statement from the English club.
"Rooney will complete the formalities of his move when the MLS transfer window opens on July 10.
"From everyone at Everton, we thank Wayne for his service to the club and wish him every success in the next 3 1/2 years with DC United."
DC United sits at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference but coach Ben Olsen this week said new additions to the side would be "exciting."