Wayne Rooney called time on a sensational playing career to become the permanent manager of Championship side Derby County on a two-year contract.
The former England striker moves into management after a spell as caretaker following the sacking of Phillip Cocu in November.
Wayne Rooney Calls It a Day to Become Derby Manager
Rooney Retires to Move Into Management
Messages poured in for one of the greats, and the numbers speak for themselves. In an extraordinary career, he scored 313 times in 763 games to become the leading goal scorer for club (Manchester United) and country.
United striker Marcus Rashford continued the plaudits, tweeting: “To one of the greatest. It was a dream come true to play alongside you. Congrats on the most unbelievable career.
“The day I got my senior call up I got on the bus and had no idea where to sit. Everyone had their spot. It was daunting. Then I found my spot alongside Wazza, thank you for making me feel so at ease and welcomed.”
Goal Machine
The England striker’s goal highlights are etched in everyone’s mind; from the minute he burst on to the scene. From that 16-year old schoolboy scoring a stunning long-range goal for his boyhood Everton to end Arsenal‘s unbeaten 30-game run to scoring a hat-trick on his Manchester United debut in the UEFA Champions League against Fenerbahce.
Let’s not forget the goals he has scored in hotly-contested Manchester derbies. His sublime bicycle kick in 2011 to win the game for United was described by the man himself, as his best goal!
Prolific Numbers
His all-round brilliance was not just loved by the Stretford End, but his tenacity and relentless work-rate were endeared by all across the world; even during his spell in the MLS with DC United.
Rooney’s inspiration continued to inspire United to trophies with his cabinet consisting of five Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, three League Cups, one FA Cup and a Europa League.
A name nobody is to forget!
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