Derbyshire: Wayne Rooney retired from football after he was appointed as the permanent manager of Derby County on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The former Manchester United forward took charge of the club after the departure of Phillip Cocu in November 2020. He was a player-coach since he took charge. Rooney said earlier that he would retire from professional football if he was given the Derby job on a full-time basis.
Rooney started his career at his boyhood club Everton and went on to become a Manchester United legend. He stayed at United for 13 years, and during this time won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, the League Cup four times, the Europa League, Champions League and FIFA World Club Cup. He also became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
He rejoined Everton but left Goodison Park after 18 months to join DC United, where he stayed for two seasons before moving to Derby in 2019. 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,” he added.
“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,” announced Stephen Pearce, Chief Executive of Derby County.
“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.”
