Jose Mourinho will miss having Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, but says he could not stand in the way of his return to Everton.

The Manchester United manager said that he felt the need to grant the 31-year-old’s request to move back to his boyhood club after a 13-year tenure at Old Trafford.

“It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come,” Mourinho said in a statement posted on United’s official website.

“It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton.

“His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future.”