Rooney retires from football (2024)

by

Sam Carney

Wayne has been appointed full-time manager of Championship side Derby County, a job he had been doing on an interim basis since the departure of Phillip Cocu in November.

Our former striker last featured in the Rams' playing squad later that month, and has now confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots in order to focus on his coaching career.

Rooney's top 10 Premier League goals Video

Watch Wayne's 10 greatest goals in the Premier League, following the announcement he has retired from playing...

Wayne will undoubtedly go down in history as one of United's - and, indeed, English football's - greatest-ever forwards.

After breaking through at Everton, he completed his transfer to Old Trafford in August 2004, becoming the world's most expensive teenager in the process.

In the subsequent 13 years he spent in Manchester, he more than repaid that significant fee, scoring 253 goals in 559 games to overtake Sir Bobby Charlton at the summit of our all-time scoring charts.

The Croxteth-born forwardwas an integral part of one of the club's most iconic sides, leading the line with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez as United swept to domestic and European glory in 2008.

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.

He returned to England with Derby in January 2020, and played against United in the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie in March.

Rooney is also England's record marksman, another landmark he took off Charlton, who described him as "a true great for club and country" in January 2017.

Current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who played alongside Rooney during his first three seasons with the Reds, sent his best wishes to Wayne upon hearing the news and said he believes his former team-mate will make a successful boss.

“Great news for Wayne and I really wish him all the best,” Ole told club media.

“I think he’s got everything going for him to be a good manager. He’s had a very good career, he’s got a very good personality and he wants to have success.

“He’s played under some top managers and I’m sure he’s over the moon at the moment, so congratulations to him.”

TRIBUTES FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

United players of past and present are posting about Wayne...

To one of the greatest. It was a dream come true to play alongside you. Congrats on the most unbelievable career. The 🐐 Happy Retirement @WayneRooney ♥️ pic.twitter.com/9l1QCU4S4O

— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) January 15, 2021

One of the greatest. Congratulations on your incredible career Wazza. What a player... Good luck on your next chapter 🙌❤️🔴 @ManUtd @WayneRooney pic.twitter.com/SkZP0ccuFr

— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) January 15, 2021

The @WayneRooney Retirement / Appreciation Post!

▪️World Class
▪️Legend
▪️Goalscorer
▪️Team Player
▪️Cabinet full of Trophies

Good 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

Wayne Rooney - a true @ManUtd Legend. 🔴

One of the greatest, a lovely teammate and a fantastic goal scorer! Happy retirement @WayneRooney, enjoy your career after football and all the best in your life as a manager! 👏♥️ pic.twitter.com/1euhSrWFqh

— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) January 15, 2021

Happy retirement Wazza one of the best I’ve worked with. Enjoy Management..... The man loves a challenge all the best lad @WayneRooney pic.twitter.com/MCesnJNCXx

— Mike Phelan (@Mike_Phelan_1) January 15, 2021

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