After all that, Wayne Rooney is going bloody nowhere.
In spite of reports all week linking the Manchester United forward with a move to the Chinese Super League, Rooney is staying put for the time-being at the very least.
The 31-year-old released a statement on Thursday afternoon in which he revealed his intention to remain committed to the United cause.
"Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I'm grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United," Rooney is quoted as saying by
The Daily Telegraph.
Several Chinese clubs were understood to be hopeful of securing a deal for Rooney, who has struggled for playing time under Jose Mourinho, but there was also keen interest from much closer. And the interest was legitimate, with the forward's former club Everton having made an official approach for him.
The Daily Mirror report that the Toffees attempted to re-sign Rooney in January only for the Red Devils to reject the bid.
Rooney left Goodison Park in 2004 for £27 million and current Everton boss Ronald Koeman did not shy away from the links when they started appearing on back pages in the first half of this season.
"I respect the decision of Manchester United, the player and the club but of course Rooney is still very welcome at Everton," Koeman said last October.
Rooney will see out this campaign as a United player but, apparently, the possibility exists of the Toffees returning this summer with an improved offer.
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