London: Everton key striker Wayne Rooney said he has never struck a football better in his long career than he did when scoring from inside his own half to complete his first club hat-trick against West Ham in the English Premier League (EPL).
The veteran forward netted thrice to hand his side a thumping 4-0 victory over the London club on Wednesday.
“I don’t think so. It’s one of, if not, the best goal I’ve scored. I hit it as well as I’ve ever kicked a football.
“To make it my first hat-trick for Everton, I’m delighted,” Rooney was quoted as saying by ESPNFC.
Rooney struck a sweet drive into the gaping net from 60 yards out after West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart had cleared the ball away to midfield where it fell to the former Manchester United talisman.
Rooney’s last hat-trick in any competition came in a Champions League playoff at Club Brugge in August 2015.
“Great hat-trick, great display from Wayne,” caretaker boss David Unsworth told the BBC. “He was captain for a reason…
“Wayne has played in midfield before. He feels and sees that might be his role moving forward. Especially when he plays like that.”
West Ham boss David Moyes, who previously coached Rooney at United, was not surprised by his performance.
“It’s what Wayne can do,” Moyes said.
“He’s always got goals in him and technical ability. He’s got the knack of being in the right place to score goals.”(IANS)