Wayne Rooney to Everton: Toffees defender Phil Jagielka believes Goodison Park faithful would welcome back former star
Boss Ronald Koeman is keen to bring star back to the club after falling out of favour at Manchester United
PHIL JAGIELKA insists Everton fans would love Wayne Rooney back at Goodison.
Jagielka said: "He is an Evertonian and I’m sure the fans would take to him.
He’s built the bridges that he potentially burnt many, many years ago when he was a young lad and I would say you’ll just have to watch this space.
"Obviously we still know he’s a fantastic player. People are quick to jump on his back but that’s the way Wayne has had it for most of his career.
"Maybe a fresh start somewhere would help him or maybe he’s a game away from being a hero again. It’s a difficult one."
Jagielka, who spoke with ex-servicemen last week as part of the club’s Knowsley Veterans’ Hub programme, hailed Rooney's strength being under the spotlight.
He added: "A lot of people would have gone under a long time ago, but Wayne has put up with it throughout his career and normally come out on top.
"He has played a lot of football and maybe this little break, where he isn't playing as much, will give him a breath of fresh air and he'll come out with all guns blazing.
"That's what we all hope. He is the country's leading goal scorer, hopefully he will also get the most caps, and he's someone we should be idolising.
"Unfortunately, the way we are with football, we have massive highs and ridiculous lows."
Pundits claim Roo would have had more respect in other countries, and Jags added: "Perhaps he will have to speak in a different language to get more respect.
"But he's still a great player and I'm sure a little bit of form is just around the corner."