Rooney's 'Romantic' Everton Return Would Be Patronising To Fans

Wayne Rooney returning to Everton on a lucrative contract would patronise fans, according to the Sunday Supplement panel.

Ronald Koeman fuelled suggestions the United club captain could return to where he began his career when the Dutchman admitted he would be pleased to have him back at Goodison Park.

However, the Sunday Supplement panel suggested indulging the 31-year-old in the twilight of his career by offering him a lucrative deal would actually be insulting to Everton supporters, who they said were left feeling betrayed when Rooney left the club in 2004.

The Times' Alyson Rudd said: "Wouldn't it be a bit patronising for Everton fans that Rooney was too good for Everton at the start of his career when he needed nurturing but comes back at the end of his career when he needs indulging?

"I wouldn't go for that as an Everton fan."

"He would have to be easily, hands down, the highest paid player in Everton's history to return," said The Sun's Antony Kastrinakis. "Whether Everton want to do that for him and the fans finding that patronising?

"Of course, he left at 18 and comes back now, for what?

"Maybe there are many Everton fans who would see a return as a very romantic thing but nevertheless I'm sure there are many who think why give him money now if United want shot of him?"

Rooney has been dropped from Jose Mourinho's starting line-up in recent weeks, with the Manchester United boss preferring other options in both forward and midfield positions, while Gareth Southgate also left Rooney on the bench for England's recent World Cup qualifiers earlier in October.

The Guardian's Dominic Fifield believes there have been signs that Rooney's controversial exit from Everton 12 years ago no longer carries the same hurt at Goodison Park, but admitted the striker would need to be willing to refuse higher-paid alternatives from abroad.

"It would be the romantic ending for Rooney," said Fifield. "The sense of excitement he whipped up locally, one of their own coming through taking the club by storm was incredible, the most feverish I've known in my journalistic career.

"The sense of betrayal when he left for Manchester United in 2004 was all the more intense. It's taken a long, long time for those wounds to heal, but there have been signs of late. The [Duncan] Ferguson testimonial at Goodison Park, and then Rooney's own testimonial in the summer. Maybe that relationship is mellowing again.

"For a player who doesn't need the money it would be wonderful to think he might forgo the chance to go to the United States or to China for another payday just to go back to his roots, where it all began and contribute something to Everton. Quite what he would contribute I don't know because I'm not sure where he would fit into that team."

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