Rooney ends playing career and becomes full-time Derby boss
Wayne Rooney has brought his illustrious playing career to an end by accepting the managerial reins at Derby on a full-time basis.
The Championship club confirmed the 35-year-old former England captain had agreed a permanent deal through to the summer of 2023, having succeeded PhillipCo cu on an interim basis in November.
The club statement confirmed that in accepting the manager’s role, Rooney had “elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job”.
Rooney earned 120 caps for England, scoring 53 goals, and won five Premier League titles with Manchester United, plus the Champions League in 2008.
He said: “When I first arrived back in the UK (from a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States) I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby.
“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 was the place for me.”
Speaking at a press conference, Rooney said :“My future I feel is in management.
“I’ve had a great career with a few ups and a few downs, but I wouldn’t change anything. But now, I’d like to write some history in my managerial career.
“I am very fortunate I am staying around football and can be part of it. I will miss playing, of course, but I’ ve had my time. It’s an exciting time for myself and the other staff and for the players.”