Rooney reveals he's worn Everton pyjamas for past 13 years

Even after Wayne Rooney left Everton in 2004, he managed to keep a part of the club with him.

"To be honest, I've kept it quiet for the past 13 years but I've actually been wearing Everton pyjamas at home with my kids," the Scouser said in his first interview since rejoining the Toffees. "I had to keep that a bit quiet!"

Rooney revealed the secret following his return to Merseyside on Sunday, the place where he made his debut as a sparkling teenager and piqued interest as England's next great hope.

Related: Rooney leaves Manchester United to fulfill feel-good Everton return

He embarked on a decorated career at Manchester United, winning all there is to be won and becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.

A distinct lack of playing time last season forced Rooney to look for employment elsewhere. He said he asked his agent, Paul Stretford, to see if he could rejoin Everton, and when that became a possibility, "I told him to speak to the club and get it done as soon as possible."

While the story reads like a fairy tale, Rooney said he made the decision to return for sporting reasons as well.

"I'm not just coming back because it's the team I support, the team I grew up playing for. I'm coming back because I feel the club can move forward and be successful. I want to be part of it," the 31-year-old added.

"There will be pressure on me to perform, but I'm ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch."

Manager Ronald Koeman has invested nearly £100 million in new signings this summer - a statement of intent for a club which has ambitions of breaking into the top four.