Legend and leader – Man Utd team-mates and more hail departing Rooney

Manchester United team-mates past and present have hailed Wayne Rooney after his departure to Everton was confirmed on Sunday.

Rooney leaves Old Trafford as United's record scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances, having won five Premier League titles and the Champions League among 12 major trophies.

Here we take a look at some of the tributes given to Rooney from his former team-mates and other stars from the game...

 

Ander Herrera's establishment in Mourinho's midfield last season was another blow to Rooney's first-team hopes, but the Spaniard will relish having played with his former captain.

Jesse Lingard credited his former skipper with being a guiding light while he broke into United's first team.

Old Trafford icon Gary Neville had high praise, labelling Rooney the best United striker he has seen.

Antonio Valencia made a rare foray onto Twitter to express his thanks to Rooney for helping him to settle at the club he joined in 2009.

United and England defender Chris Smalling, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2010, also paid tribute to Rooney.

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An adversary on many occasions, former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen opted to look ahead - predicting a bright future for Rooney at Goodison Park.