Wayne Rooney has joined the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in making the switch to Major League Soccer, with the 32-year-old completing his move to D.C. United on Thursday.
Reports that Rooney would move to United this summer and that he and the club were in advanced talks cropped up in May, with Everton manager Sam Allardyce confirming that negotiations were taking place just days later .
The former Manchester United and England star now joins a D.C. United club that sits dead last in the MLS standings having picked up just 10 points from 12 matches so far this season.
While terms of the deal were not released, the striker has signed a three-and-half-year deal that will reportedly net him around $13 million (£10m), which would make him the highest paid player in team history and one of the top earners in MLS.
"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," Rooney told the club's official website.
"Moving to America and MLS fulfills another career ambition for me.
"I have the hunger to be a success here and will give D.C. 100 percent - as I have always done for every team I have ever played for.
"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 will begin training with his new club this week but cannot officially join until the MLS transfer window opens on July 10.
That date puts him on track to debut for the club when it opens its brand-new stadium, Audi Field, a 20,000 seat venue with a $400 million price tag, on July 14.
United will be in action twice more before Rooney is eligible to play, with trips to face the New England Revolution and the LA Galaxy on tap ahead of opening the new venue against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Jason Levien, the club's managing general partner and CEO, said of a high-profile arrival: "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.
"Wayne has thrived when competing at the most elite levels of soccer and we’re thrilled to have his leadership as we enter this new era at Audi Field."
Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, added: "Wayne is undoubtedly one of the best players in Premier League history and his goal scoring record for club and country speaks for itself.
"He is a world-class player and he elevates those around him, both through his work-ethic and winning mentality.
"We are beyond excited to add someone of Rooney’s caliber and we are thrilled to welcome him to D.C."
