We all knew it was coming, but no one expected it to happen this soon...
Wayne Rooney has finally made a decision on his career, and even if he is not ready to hang up his boots, he will follow the path shown by former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany by signing an 18-month contract with Derby County, where he have a player-coach role.
The 33-year old will join the Rams in January, and even if the move is interesting for both parts, the former Manchester United striker is eager to share his experience on the pitch in his first months with the club.
"Firstly, I am a player. I feel I have a lot of quality to bring to the squad. Secondly, I want to gain experience for when I do stop playing," Rooney said.
Welcome to Pride Park, @WayneRooney! #WR32 pic.twitter.com/Okemj8kvBA
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) August 6, 2019
The current D.C. United player shared his happiness on working with Philip Cocu for the next yeaar and a half.
"The opportunity to come back to England to play, and to learn from someone like Phillip Cocu, was too great to turn down. I'm delighted to be here and I want to help the team hopefully push for promotion," Rooney added.
Coach Philip Cocu also shared his views on how Rooney's experience may benefit the Rams' hopes for promotion this season.
"He has enjoyed a wonderful career, both in club football and for England, and he still has so much to give as well. His credentials speak for themselves, but to have a player with his leadership, skill, experience, character and work ethic will be huge for us," Cocu added.
Rooney is set to end the MLS' regular season on October 6. As of now, D.C. United would make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, but they are only four points ahead of Toronto FC, the team that's closest to those owning playoff spots right now. Either way, D.C. United fans will have to enjoy his final playing days in the North American league, while Derby County fans relish the moment in which Rooney takes the pitch in January.
