Rooney has hung up his boots to concentrate on his new job
Wayne Rooney has called time on his playing career to become permanent manager of Derby County.
A statement from the Championship club confirmed that the former Manchester United and England captain would become the club’s permanent manager having taken the role on a temporary basis following Phillip Cocu’s departure in November.
The statement goes on to confirm that Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker will remain as part of Rooney’s coaching staff, before announcing that the 35-year-old has opted to hang up his boots to focus on his new role.
‘In line with taking up the managerial position, Rooney has elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job,’ it reads.
Captain. Leader. The greatest.@WayneRooney: The Manager 🐏
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 15, 2021
Rooney began his playing career at Everton, joining United as a teenager in 2004 and marking his debut for the club with a hat-trick against Fenerbahce. He stayed at United until 2017, winning every domestic honour possible as well as Champions League and Europa League titles.
Having become all-time leading goal scorer for United and England, Rooney returned to boyhood club Everton. After a brief stint in Major League Soccer with D.C. United, he returned to England with Derby last year.
