EVERTON CAPTAIN WAYNE Rooney said his third goal against West Ham United could possibly be the best he has ever scored, after he sealed his hat-trick with an effort from inside his own half.
The former Manchester United man met a clearance from Joe Hart and drilled it first time over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
The strike sealed his first ever Everton hat-trick in some style and he could not hide his delight after guiding his side to a thumping 4-0 win against David Moyes’ side.
“It’s one of, if not the best goal I’ve ever scored,” he told BT Sport.
“I don’t think I’ve ever struck a football better in my life. To score my first hat-trick for Everton, I’m delighted.”
Rooney had opened the scoring, heading home a rebound after Joe Hart had saved his penalty, before tucking away his second from inside the box.
His third goal put Everton on course for all three points before Ashley Williams sealed it late on and Rooney said it was a good result after a difficult few weeks.
“For us as a team it was important to win, the last few weeks have been tough,” he added.
“We have been hurting so it was important today to get a clean sheet first off which was long overdue.
“I’ve practiced many penalties against Hart and I knew he knew where I was going but I stuck with it and backed myself to still beat him. He’s made a good save but thankfully it came back to me.
“It was an important goal it gave us something to hold onto. In that second half we dug in and got the all-important third goal.
“We’ll enjoy tonight. First of all we have to give a lot of thanks to David Unsworth. He stepped in at a difficult time and he tried to steady the ship. I’m delighted for him that we got this victory. It’s important for the club.”
It’s not the first spectacular goal Rooney has scored, his bicycle kick goal for Manchester United against City in 2011 was voted as the best goal of the first 20 years of the Premier League.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Terrible refereeing went on in both legs, must be if not the hardest, one of the hardest matches to ref with all the acting going on
The referee last night wasn’t great. Real Madrid were allowed to kick and bully their way through the match. They should have lost one player in either half. Both rm centre halves should have gone the second one with the concession of a penalty.
I thought gerry armstrongs comments was outrageous, always favouring rm. I think sky have a “home team” policy meaning they make an editorial demean to side with one team. This creates emotion, tension and controversy which helps to hype the event. Armstrong was unreal last night , even paisleyite in his prejudice. Sorry Gerry .