Rooney inks new deal with Derby
RETURNING BACK HOME: WILL BECOME PLAYER-COACH
Wayne Rooney will join Derby County in January from MLS side DC United, with the former England captain set to continue his playing career while working towards his goal of becoming a manager, the Championship club said yesterday.
In a major coup for the second-tier club, Derby said the 33-year-old Rooney had signed an initial 18-month contract with the option of another year and would also work as a coach with the first team and academy.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with,” former Manchester
United and Everton striker Rooney said in a statement on Derby’s website.
“I’m looking forward to joining (manager) Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team from the start of January.
“I’m sure I can make a big contribution... I’m equally excited to begin my coaching career,” he added.
Rooney, who had two years left on his contract at DC United, said he was fully focused on giving his all for the club in the remainder of the season and hoped to deliver an MLS Cup.
“My time in MLS is something I’ll always be proud of... while the decision to move home was a tough one, family is everything to us and we make this change to be closer to the ones we love back in England,” he said.
Rooney, both England and Manchester United’s leading alltime goalscorer, becomes the latest member of the so-called “Golden Generation” of national squad members to take their first steps towards management.
He will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Derby’s former boss Frank Lampard and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
Lampard has since taken over at his old club Chelsea, having guided Derby to the play-off final last season.
“First and foremost, Wayne is joining us as a player but he will also have coaching responsibilities too,” Derby owner Mel Morris added. –