Party on, Washington: With Wayne Rooney, D.C. United has a big draw for his new recruits

Few athletes can say that they have climbed the ladder of the world superstar Rooney reached

The newly signed DC United striker is the all-time leading scorer for Manchester United and the national team of ################################################################# 39; England. He has won five English Premier League titles, won a UEFA Champions League crown and competed in three World Cups. His 16.8 million followers on Twitter are three times more than Alex Ovechkin, John Wall and Bryce Harper – combined.

But for a famous figure in almost every corner of the world, Rooney has not been one for adventure trips. Until last month, he had spent his entire career in two clubs: his childhood team, Everton, and Manchester United. In fact, he has never lived beyond a 35-mile stretch in northwestern England.

"It's a big challenge to come here," said Rooney about D.C. United. "Obviously, I moved to Manchester United from Everton when I was 18, but it was 30 minutes from where I grew up." So was a move for my club, but it was not really a move [from] at home – I still had family around.

"This," he added it, "is a real movement."

After 16 seasons in the English league, Rooney, 32, has signed with DC United a Two and a half year deal worth about $ 13 million. Although United has counted a myriad of MLS legends among its ranks, the club has never been an adversary for the transcendent stars.But when Erick Thohir and Jason Levien invested in United in 2012, the co-owners privately shared an attraction view of a great attraction every time that a specific football stadium came into play.

This pairing ended up accompanying a troubling synergy, since Rooney is ready to make his MLS debut on Saturday when DC United will open Audi Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps

"He is a competitor, and he will raise the level of every player because he has a habit of winning and he has the habit of playing at most high level, "said Ben Olsen, DC's coach. "When you bring that kind of influence into your group, the others around it will raise their games and their mentality."

Rooney players have typically favored big budget franchises in New York or Los Angeles. But after playing in matches across the United States as part of Manchester United's pre-season tours, the Liverpool native decided that the relatively modest setting of Washington was better suited for him, his wife and their three children. at places like LA and New York, and it's too hectic, "said Rooney." It's like London. For me, I never imagined going to live in London. I need my own space to get things away when I need them, and Washington seemed to give this opportunity. "

[Rooney begins practice with D.C. United: ‘The quality just comes through’]

Off the field, there is little doubt about the possibility of marketing Rooney.With Baltimore and Washington leading the top two Premier League standings on the NBC family, US officials are confident that the presence Rooney will help reach local fans who have preferred European leagues to MLS.

Rooney is renowned for his leadership, vision and world-clbad finish. Now he must tackle the perception "He's an aging star in a league that's increasingly moved toward attracting young talent." 19659015 "This is certainly not a retirement move for Wayne," he said. Dave Kasper. "He has made it clear from the first day, he's not here to participate in late-night talk shows in Los Angeles, he wants to raise trophies for this club." was a great comfort for us. "