Wayne Rooney has officially retired as a football and is now a manager after being hired by Derby County on a permanent basis.
Rooney, 35, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal to take charge of the Rams until the summer of 2023.
He only joined Derby a year ago on an 18-month contract as a player-coach from MLS side DC United.
However, his role changed in November, when Phillip Cocu was sacked as Derby manager. As a result, Rooney became caretaker manager.
And after going unbeaten in seven of his nine matches during that spell, the Derby board have decided to appoint Rooney.
“When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club. The Stadium, Training Ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive,” Rooney told the club’s official website.
“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.
“To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”
