Wayne Rooney joins DC United in MLS

The 32-year-old finished last season as Everton's leading scorer with 11 goals, but has opted to move to Washington despite new manager Marco Silva's apparent desire to keep the former England striker.

"It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks," said Rooney.

"When I visited earlier this summer I was really impressed with everyone I met connected with the club, and of course the new Audi Field. Now I can’t wait to get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new teammates to bring success to this club."

Rooney has been a granted a work permit and a visa and is set to make his debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14 when DC United open the new 20,000-seat Audi Field Stadium.

Rooney will sign until the end of 2021 in a deal worth £12.5m.

He is England's record goalscorer with 53 goals in 119 appearances, and is Manchester United's top scorer of all time with 253 goals.

"This is a seminal moment for our fans and organization. Wayne is a global soccer icon and his presence at D.C. United will elevate our product on the pitch and soccer as a whole in our city and in this country,” said United CEO Jason Levien.