Wayne Rooney retires after being announced Derby County manager.
The former England international had a stellar playing career in which he won five Premier League titles, along with one Champions League and one Europa League during his time at Manchester United.
Rooney also played for Everton (on two separate occasions — directly before and after his spell at United), DC United and Derby County.
He is Manchester United’s record goalscorer, and is also England’s top goalscorer of all-time.
A number of tributes has began flooding in for Rooney, from the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker:
The @WayneRooney Retirement / Appreciation Post!
▪️World Class
▪️Legend
▪️Goalscorer
▪️Team Player
▪️Cabinet full of TrophiesGood Luck with your new chapter Wazza ❤️
P.s. Will u pick me up in the morning pal….?#Rooney pic.twitter.com/qeweWd1kvy
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 15, 2021
One of our all-time great footballers has retired. It’s never an easy moment for any player but @WayneRooney has enjoyed a truly wonderful career on the field. Here’s hoping he’s successful off the pitch with @dcfcofficial. Well played and good luck. 👍🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) January 15, 2021
Wayne Rooney has officially retired from football.
One of the greatest to play the game, Legend! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/84r7mTXrvn
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) January 15, 2021
Today he has been appointed as Derby’s manager on a permanent basis.
The Championship club announced the 35-year-old former United striker had signed a contracted until the summer of 2023.
Captain. Leader. The greatest.@WayneRooney: The Manager 🐏
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 15, 2021
It’s not a long contract but Rooney knows he needs to get the ball quickly as manager.
Derby chief executive Stephen Pearce said in a statement: “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as out new manager.”
Rooney has been temporarily in charge of Derby as interim coach since Phillip Cocu was sacked in November. The Dutch boss brought Rooney to the club and has been succeeded by the former England star.
Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker will retain their positions as part of Rooney’s backroom staff.
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