Rooney calls quits on playing career to manage Derby
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jan 16, 2021
Wayne Rooney's illustrious playing career is over.
Rooney is Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer with 253 and the Premier League's second-top scorer of all time, 208, behind Alan Shearer on 260.
"To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour", he said.
"I spoke to Steven on Wednesday". They are now 22nd and only in the relegation zone due to goal difference.
"Hopefully I can now start to write some history and have a successful managerial career", Rooney said.
Rooney has admitted the moment to announce his retirement had been coming, and he will be remembered as arguably the greatest English player of the last decade.
He procured every possible winners' medal during his time at Old Trafford - five Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup, four League Cups, the Europa League and the Club World Cup - before returning to the Toffees in 2017 and then heading for MLS with DC United the following year.
A potent combination of poise and power made Rooney a lethal goal threat before he finished his career showcasing his more cerebral side in a deeper role.
"Of course, I will miss it but I've been very fortunate to play for some massive teams".
This was after moving from boyhood club Everton, for whom he made his debut as a 16-year-old.
Remember the name, Wayne Rooney. Cocu departed the club by mutual consent back in November, after a late 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers left them rock bottom of the table, having won just once in their opening ten fixtures. "Obviously had a taste of it over the last couple of months and I've enjoyed it".
"Will I miss playing?" It's a new chapter for me. "Time doesn't sit still for any man".
Derby now sit 22nd in the Championship, up two spots from dead-last where they resided as recently as December 8, thanks to their hugely improved form (3W-4D-2L) since Wayne Rooney took over.
Liam Rosenior becomes assistant manager, while Shay Given is the new first team coach and former England manager Steve McClaren continues as technical director and advisor to the board of directors.
What is the situation with Derby's takeover?
"This is an exciting time for me and this club will always be trying to achieve big things". "It's something that I've been preparing for, working for a few years now".
