The 31-year-old's anticipated move back to his boyhood club after 13 successful years at Old Trafford was confirmed on Sunday.

He leaves United as their record goal scorer with 253 strikes and after winning 12 major honours, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

But Rooney, who has signed a two-year deal at Goodison Park, says Everton always remained close to his heart.

"It feels great [to be back]," Rooney, who burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with the Toffees, told Everton TV. "To be honest, I've kept it quiet for the last 13 years, but I've actually been wearing Everton pyjamas at home with my kids. I had to keep that a bit quiet!

"It's a great feeling to be back. I'm excited, I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play. I'm ecstatic -- I just cannot wait to get back playing.''