Former Manchester United captain, Wayne Rooney will leave MLS side DC United in January to join English Championahip club Derby County as player/coach following a successful negotiation with the Rams owner Mel Morris and manager, Phillip Cocu on Tuesday.
Rooney, 33, will call it quits at MLS club DC United in January to chart a new course in the twilight of his footballing career, and he is pleased witj the opportunity to be closer to his family in England in his next job.
“As well as penning a playing contract with Derby, Rooney will join the club as a coach and continue to develop his coaching credentials in preparation for a potential managerial career,” Derby County said in an official statement on Tuesday.
Rooney joined DC United in June 2018 after a season stint with his childhood club Everton.
He flew into London on Tuesday morning to to agree his new Derby County job with the club owner and manager. He thanks DC United for their support and promises to help the club finish the current MLS season well before leaving to assume his Derby County job.
“I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with,” Rooney said.
“I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January. I am sure I can make a big contribution and can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the supporters.
“I am equally excited to begin my coaching career at Derby County working with both the first team and Academy.
“I must also take this opportunity to thank DC United, their owners, executives and supporters who have been superb to work with. I want them to know that I will give my all in support of our push for the play-offs.”
Rooney added: “I remain fully focused on giving my all for the team for the rest of this season and repaying the support shown by the Black-and-Red faithful by hopefully delivering an MLS Cup to Audi Field,” Rooney said.
“My time in Major League Soccer is something I will always be proud of. The supporters in the Screaming Eagles, Barra Brava and District Ultras have made my time in America so enjoyable.
“While the decision to move home was a tough one, family is everything to us and we make this change to be closer to the ones we love back in England. The opportunity to go back home and start the next step of my career in coaching was the factor that made my mind up.
“I would like to thank everyone at D.C. United for the incredible support my family and I have received over my two seasons at the club.”
