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It's official! Soccer star Wayne Rooney will play for DC United

DC United formally announced the signing of the British soccer star Thursday in a tweet with the hashtag #NoWayneNoGain.
Credit: Alex Livesey
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Wayne Rooney of Everton shows appreciation to the fans during the lap of honour after the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

(WUSA 9) -- Wayne, meet DC.

DC, meet Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney is coming to DC to play for DC United.

DC United formally announced the signing of the British soccer star Thursday in a tweet with the hashtag #NoWayneNoGain.

Rooney flew to the United States from England Thursday. He tweeted a photo of himself on an airplane, using a plane and American flag emoji.

Rooney arrived at Dulles International Airport Thursday afternoon.

Many DC United fans were on hand to catch a glimpse of the English soccer star making his first appearance as a member of the red and black.

Rooney signed autographs, and took selfies with fans before leaving Dulles.

The new DC United star did not say much to reporters, but he did tell WUSA 9 Sports Darren Haynes that it felt good to be in DC.

This is a huge signing for DC United on a couple fronts.

First and foremost, it generates buzz around a team that has the worst record in MLS.

The buzz is much needed, considering the team is opening a brand new stadium in Audi Field on July 14.

With England already in it's preseason transfer window, and the MLS midseason transfer window opening July 10, Rooney will be added to the official roster just in time to make his DC United debut when the team makes its Audi Field debut.

Secondly, Wayne Rooney is still pretty good.

Sure he's retired from playing for the English national team, and he wasn't guaranteed a regular spot in the starting 11, but Major League Soccer isn't the Premier League.

Rooney should have success, and he can join a growing list of international stars who have fared well once coming to the United States.

Most recently, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 7 goals in 11 games since joining the LA Galaxy.

In the short term, the addition of Wayne Rooney is a very good one for DC United.

The million dollar questions are what's the impact long term of the Rooney signing? Can DC United return to the top tier of the league on a regular basis?

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