Wayne Rooney admitted he was excited by the challenge of playing for Everton again after rejoining his boyhood club for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal with the club he left in 2004 on Sunday after a success-laden spell at Manchester United where he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League

But for Rooney, Everton was always his first love and remained close to his heart. After being presented with his new Toffees shirt from manager Ronald Koeman, the striker told a news conference on Monday: “It feels great (to be back).

“I was excited this morning to go in and meet the lads on the training pitch and get going.

“It’s an exciting time for myself and for Everton Football Club, we’re moving forward. We’re signing new players. We’re targeting a good season and we’re all hoping this year will be a good year for us. You want to do better than you did the previous year.

“You want to keep pressing, as players, as fans so that’s something we want to do.

“I feel the club are moving in the right direction. Obviously the manager will have ideas of the players he wants to bring in.”