Premier League: Wayne Rooney scores 200th EPL goal as Everton grab point at Manchester City

WAYNE Rooney has become only the second player to score 200 Premier League goals as Everton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium.

Wayne Rooney has a big fan in Pep Guardiola.

EVERTON star Wayne Rooney said becoming only the second person to score 200 Premier League goals when he netted in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City was a sweet moment.

The 31-year-old, who joined former England and Newcastle United great Alan Shearer in reaching the 200-goal landmark, added he was sure fans from his former club Manchester United would have enjoyed it too.

Rooney rejoined Everton, the club where he made his name as a teenager, from United in the close season after he became a peripheral figure there under Jose Mourinho.

“It was nice,” Rooney, who will do well to pass Shearer’s mark of 260, said.

“To do it today in such an important game for us, with tough games coming up, it was a sweet moment and I am sure the red half of Manchester will have enjoyed it as well.”

It's been lonely in this @premierleague 200 club. Welcome and congratulations @WayneRooney 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) August 21, 2017

Haha thanks mate. Happy to join you 👍🏼 https://t.co/5UYDoETidE

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 21, 2017

Rooney, who also scored in their opening 1-0 win over Stoke City, said that people shouldn’t be surprised he covered more ground in the match than his team-mates.

“It is not bad for someone who is not fit anymore and can’t get about the pitch!” grinned Rooney.

“I have always put a shift in for the team and tonight is no different.”

Rooney’s lack of match time with United last season cost him his place in the England squad, but with one being named later this week and with his early-season form, a recall could be on the cards.

“I am focusing on Everton,” said Rooney when asked about his chances of a call-up.

“I am sure I will speak to England manager Gareth Southgate over the next few days and we will see what happens.” Everton manager Ronald Koeman -- who has spent heavily in the close season -- said he had expected Rooney’s early sparkle.

“I am not surprised about Wayne Rooney,” Koeman said.

“I know how eager he was to come back to Everton. We are really happy that he is back.”

Wayne Rooney by the numbers

200

Goals scored in the English Premier League. Rooney sits behind only Alan Shearer (260) for most goals in the competition.

119

Appearances for England, making him the Three Lions’ most capped outfield player of all time.

71

Number of league and cup games Rooney played for Everton prior to his move to Manchester United, in which time he managed to score 15 goals.

53

International goals, making him the top-scoring England player of all time.

27

The highest tally of goals scored by Rooney in a single Premier League season (2011-12) and also the number of penalties he converted for Manchester United.

16

Rooney was 16 years and 360 days old when he netted his first Premier League goal in October 2002 to help Everton beat Arsenal, making him the youngest Premier League goalscorer at the time.

12

Number of major honours he won with the Red Devils (five Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup, one Champions League title, one Europa League win and one FIFA Club World Cup).

5

The lowest number of Premier League goals Rooney netted in a single league campaign (2016-17)