Wayne Rooney officially retired from professional football, at just 35, as the former Manchester United and Everton striker settles for a managerial job at Derby County. He said he is retiring from playing with immediate effect to concentrate solely on the coaching.
Wayne Rooney officially retired after signing a two-and-a-half year deal with Derby County, where he will be taking charge of the Rams until the summer of 2023.
Rooney’s retirement from playing brings down the curtain on an illustrious career in which he became record goalscorer for the England national team and won every conceivable honour with Manchester United.
He joined Derby a year ago – joining on an 18-month contract as a player-coach from MLS side DC United.
However, his role changed in November when Phillip Cocu was sacked as Derby manager. As a result, Rooney became caretaker manager.
And after going unbeaten in seven of his nine matches during that spell, the Derby board have decided to appoint Rooney – signalling an end to his illustrious playing career.
‘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,’ Rooney told the club’s official website.
‘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 in 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.’
And speaking about the Rams’ new era under Rooney, their chief executive officer Stephen Pearce couldn’t contain his excitement.
‘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.’