Everton boss Ronald Koeman would have listened intently and very much allowed Wayne Rooney to make up his own mind regarding his England future – but there’s no doubting he will be more than happy with his striker’s decision.
The 31-year-old revealed he held talks with the Dutchman to discuss whether he wanted to retire or not from the Three Lions, along with his family and friends.
For Everton and Koeman, they will be delighted that Rooney’s entire focus is now on all things Blue – especially after his stellar start to the season.
Rooney has indeed already become the lynchpin of a new-look Everton side, who are attempting to break the Premier League’s glass ceiling powered by the vast wealth of owner Farhad Moshiri.
It might be premature to write such a thing after just two Premier League matches – in which he has scored in both – along with three Europa League outings, but the evidence has been there on the pitch.
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Rooney’s experience, leadership on and off the ball and winning mentality has helped to guide a Blues line-up devoid of winners and players who have tasted the feeling of winning big matches consistently.
The boyhood blue’s sheer presence has lifted a young team which was in dire need of a talisman, a go-to leader if you like. Romelu Lukaku was never that, despite his weight of goals.
His workrate, which has never been in question, has been there too in abundance. He covered over 11km during the draw at Manchester City – more than any other team-mate – and looks sharp despite his advancing years.
It says a lot, that for all the millions Koeman has spent, and according to many, over-spent on talent this summer, his eldest signing who didn’t require a large transfer fee is the player he trusts more than anyone he has at his disposal now.
In truth, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rooney takeover the captain’s armband from Phil Jagielka or Leighton Baines at some stage.
Rooney’s signing was a stroke of genius by Koeman.
Indeed, Gylfi Sigurdsson – Everton’s record £45million signing – mentioned the influence of Rooney as one of the reasons why he joined the Goodison Park club.
That is an indication of the impact he has made upon his return to Merseyside – and is good news going forward. Away from all the sentiments about his renaissance with the School of Science, his acquisition has ended up being more of a marquee signing than most media and pundits alike initially made out.
While there was undoubtedly a mixed feeling over whether Everton should sign the Manchester United striker earlier this summer, there are none of those doubts now.
He turns 32 next month but can now concentrate fully on helping Everton try to secure European football again and have a decent stab at the cup competitions.
Despite everything that he achieved in both a United and England shirt, the fact he could guide Everton to a first trophy since 1995 is something he admits could usurp his previous achievements.
“I know I made the right decision in coming home to Everton. Now I want to focus all my energies on helping them be successful,” said Rooney at the time of his signing.
He has given himself and Everton the best possible chance of doing just that now.