Everton striker Wayne Rooney delighted with 'special moment' as he scores winner on Premier League return as a Toffees player

• e-mail

Wayne Rooney admitted feeling both relieved and emotional as he celebrated his Premier League homecoming for Everton with the winning goal against Stoke City.

All the pressure that came along with Rooney's return to his hometown club after 13 years away at Old Trafford was lifted when he headed in Daniel Calvert-Lewin's cross on the stroke of half-time for what proved the only goal of the game. Rooney's last goal for Everton came against Leeds United in April 2004.

'It was a special moment for me. On a personal note, I am absolutely delighted,' said the 31-year-old who made no secret of his desire to play again for Everton after it became clear he was not part of Jose Mourinho's plans, after winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney admitted he was relieved and emotional after his Everton homecoming

 Roonye scored the winning goal against Stoke City on the opening day of the Premier League

The pressure that came with Rooney's return lifted when he scored at the end of the first half

'It was a tough game today against Stoke. The first game of the season, the most important thing is to win and we've done that. I think we created the best chances and it was important to score just before half-time.'

Rooney's knee slide celebration by the corner flag was flamboyant by his standards and he confessed: 'It was a lot of relief and emotion coming out. I've felt at home since my first day back at the training ground. I had been looking forward to this day for a long time and thankfully it was a good day.'

England's record goalscorer also had time to praise two of his younger colleagues, Michael Keane and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, for seeing Everton over the line on their debuts for the clubs.

He said: 'I thought they did very well especially in the last 20 minutes when Peter Crouch came on. We know he's awkward and difficult to defend against.

England's record goalscorer also had time to praise a younger colleague, Michael Keane

Rooney also praised goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for some crucial second half saves

'Michael in particular did well with him and the save at the end from Jordan proves why so much money was spent on him.'

Despite Rooney's winner, the first half was a struggle for Everton's new-look side with Ronald Koeman admitting the 3-5-2 formation was 'his fault', the Dutch manager reverting to a 4-4-2 for the second period.

'As players we need to understand each others games. We knew in the first half it wasn't working, the manager identified that and changed it,' said Rooney.

'We have to take things game-by-game but we've certainly got the potential to do well this season.'