Tobias Sylvester
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has retired from football after being appointed as permanent manager of English Championship club, Derby County.
The 35-year-old, who retired as the all-time leading goalscorer for both Manchester United and England, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take charge of Derby County until the summer of 2023.
Rooney has been acting as interim manager at Derby since the end of November when Phillip Cocu was sacked, but has now taken the job permanently on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce said: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.
“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.
“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too.
“Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance.”
Rooney said: “When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.
“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”
Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for Manchester United and won five Premier League titles, along with one Champions League and one Europa League crown during his time at Old Trafford.
He also scored 53 goals in 120 games for England but was sadly not able to deliver the Three Lions long-awaited success at a tournament.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo says he has fulfilled his dream as a footballer despite playing just four games this season for his dream club, Manchester United.
