BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Solomon Islands footballer Rooney Riugaemai is set to return home after completing a remarkable three-year journey with Westfield Football Club, a Sussex-based club in England, where he established himself as one of the club’s greatest players.
Westfield FC confirmed in a farewell statement released on July 18 that Rooney made his final appearance in the club’s ‘Yellow and Green’ colours during a pre-season fixture before heading back to the Solomon Islands to reunite with his family.
The striker leaves the English club with an outstanding record of 106 goals in 97 appearances, a feat Westfield described as a phenomenal achievement and one that has secured his place in the club’s history.
Westfield said Rooney’s contribution went beyond his goalscoring record, praising his character, humility and commitment since joining the club as a 19-year-old with huge potential.
The Sussex club said Rooney arrived as a young player but developed into not only an exceptional footballer but also a respected member of the Westfield community.
Westfield chairman Jack Stapley said the club was saddened to lose its star striker but was pleased that Rooney would finally have the opportunity to return home and reunite with his family.
“We knew this day would come at some point, but it doesn’t make it any easier as Rooney leaves us to head back home to reunite with his family.
“Coming to Westfield as a 19-year-old and very much a boy, Rooney has grown not only as a player but as a person. Scoring 106 goals in 97 games is no mean feat,” Stapley said.
Stapley described Rooney as one of the nicest people associated with the club and said he believed the Solomon Islands forward could continue to achieve success after returning home.
During his three seasons with Westfield, Rooney became a favourite among supporters and a key figure for the club, earning recognition for his professionalism, goal-scoring ability and dedication every time he wore the Westies shirt.
Westfield thanked Rooney for his service, saying he leaves as a prolific goal scorer but more importantly as a lifelong friend of the club.
“Thank you for the goals. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for representing Westfield Football Club with pride every single time you pulled on the Westies shirt,” the club said.
The return of Rooney is expected to generate excitement among Solomon Islands football supporters, who will be keen to follow the next chapter of the former Westfield star’s career on home soil.
Photo credit: Westfield FC Club
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