As Everton get ready to say farewell to their iconic home, Goodison Park, there are plenty of unforgettable moments to look back to for supporters and players.
The iconic stadium has witnessed some incredible scenes in English football. And for one of Everton’s most famous sons, Goodison is where dreams began.
From last-gasp survival to unforgettable debuts, Goodison Park has seen it all.
Wayne Rooney, who started his career at Everton before rising to Premier League stardom, has now looked back on what that ground meant to him.
Wayne Rooney on his favourite Goodison Park moment as Everton player
For Rooney, Goodison Park holds a special place in his career, first as a passionate fan in the stands watching his boyhood club, and then as a teenage prodigy lighting up the pitch.
The former England striker recently reflected on the moments that left the biggest mark on him at the historic ground, both as a player and a fan.
Speaking to BBC, Rooney – Man United’s record scorer, said: “My favourite moment as a fan was.. it was every game, really, at Goodison Park. You know, I used to always go and get in the stadium and watch the players warm up and take everything in,really. So as a fan, it wasn’t too many great moments.
“The one which stands out is when, Barry Horne scored against Wimbledon and we stayed up in the last game of the season and then obviously been on the pitch after the game. And that’s something which sticks with me still.
“And as a player, obviously played, a lot of games at Goodison Park. I have to say my first Premier League goal is my favourite moment of mine at Goodison Park.”
Wayne Rooney’s rise from Everton to a Premier League legend
That goal not only announced Rooney’s arrival to the footballing world but also marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that would take him to the very top of the game.
His raw talent and eye for the goal quickly made him the most talked-about young player in England and soon he attracted interest from England’s top clubs including Manchester United.
He joined the Red Devils in 2004 and went on to become one of the most complete forwards in Premier League history.
He made over 550 appearances for the club, scoring 253 goals and assisting 141, winning everything there was to win with Man United.
Rooney, who has only one regret in his career, returned to Everton in 2017 before going on to play for D.C. United and Derby County, where he eventually hung up his boots.
