6 of the best: The most memorable goals from Wayne Rooney’s career

Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from the playing side of football after an outstanding career spanning more than 18 years.

Here, the PA news agency picks out some of his memorable goals.

Everton v Arsenal (October 2002)

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Rooney when he burst on to the scene as a 16-year-old with Everton and he justified the hype with a stunning strike against Arsenal at Goodison Park. Rooney brilliantly controlled a long ball outside the area, turned and then curled a shot past England goalkeeper David Seaman that went in off the underside of the bar.

Man Utd v Newcastle (April 2005)

Rooney immediately started to justify the £26million United paid Everton for him in 2004 with a hat-trick on debut against Fenerbahce but a ferocious volley against Newcastle was the highlight of his first season at Old Trafford. Rooney launched himself into a thunderous strike from 25 yards as a headed clearance fell towards him and the ball rocketed into the top corner.

England v Russia (October 2007)

Another superb volley, this time while on England duty in Moscow. Michael Owen flicked on a long ball and Rooney controlled on his chest before lashing a fierce shot into the roof of the net from 18 yards.

Man Utd v Man City (February 2011)

Arguably Rooney’s most famous strike, a brilliant overhead kick and one of the greatest goals seen in a Manchester derby. Nani’s cross into the area took a slight deflection but Rooney adjusted and, with his back to goal, conjured up a classic.

England v Brazil (June 2013)

Rooney lit up the Maracana with a goal not dissimilar from the one that launched his career against Arsenal over a decade earlier. Fed by James Milner on the right, Rooney cut inside and then curled a shot into the far corner from outside the area.

Man Utd v West Ham (March 2014)

Rooney was just crossing the halfway line when the ball bounced kindly for him. Shrugging off the attention of James Tomkins, he took aim and launched a half-volley that swerved and flew over the frantically back-pedalling Adrian’s head into the West Ham net.