Report: Wayne Rooney to play for Atlanta United in 2017

Wayne Rooney is one of the most recognizable names in the world of soccer. He's been in the global spotlight since he was a 16-year-old phenom with Everton and has remained there his whole career with Manchester United and the English national team.

According to the Guardian, Rooney is open to joining MLS later on in his career.

I'm obviously concentrating on Manchester United," he said. "When that time comes, that'll be something I'd think about. I'll sit down with my wife and children and decide if it would be right for me.

ESPN Deportes decided to shed some light on the subject on their talk show "Jorge Ramos y Su Banda".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Rooney piensa en la MLS &#10;&#10;Esta tarde ampliamos el tema &#10;&#10;X <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPN_Dep_Radio">@ESPN_Dep_Radio</a>&#10;&#10;<a href="http://t.co/93FlKsLFP6">http://t.co/93FlKsLFP6</a> <a href="http://t.co/pRI4AN05uy">pic.twitter.com/pRI4AN05uy</a></p>&mdash; Jorge Ramos &amp; Banda (@ESPN_JorgeRamos) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPN_JorgeRamos/status/621724668010098688">July 16, 2015</a></blockquote>

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While we weren't able to tune into the show, respected soccer radio and tv personality Juan Arango was and informed everyone the major news that was reported. Elmer Polanco a member of the show stated that Wayne Rooney would be joining Atlanta United FC in the year 2017 when they begin play.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wayne Rooney to play in MLS come 2017. Would be playing with Atlanta United. [<a href="https://twitter.com/PolancoESA">@PolancoESA</a>]</p>&mdash; Juan Arango (@JuanG_Arango) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuanG_Arango/status/621785985068568578">July 16, 2015</a></blockquote>

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We are roughly a year and a half away from United beginning their MLS voyage. Any rumors you hear about major players signings should be taken with a grain of salt. However, when respected media members talk, we must listen. Wayne Rooney is a global superstar and would add huge mass appeal to the franchise. Rooney is only 29-years-old and would only be 31 when United begins play.

What are your thoughts on this report? Would Rooney be a good player to build the Atlanta franchise around?