After over a year away from English football, Wayne Rooney has made the shock move back across the Atlantic to join Phillip Cocu at Derby County.
He will join the Rams as a player-coach in January on an 18-month contract, following the conclusion of his second season at DC United in the MLS.
Rooney, 33, brings with him a wealth of experience. He’s Manchester United's and England’s leading goal scorer and second most capped player for the Three Lions. He also has 16 club honours to his name as well as a multitude of individual honours to his name.
Whilst some fans worry about the implications of Financial Fair Play on the deal, the trimming of the squad over the summer and the reported profit from the 2017/18 books was more than enough to manoeuvre a move for the Englishman within the bounds of FFP.
Manager Phillip Cocu said: “Wayne Rooney is an extremely talented and top-class footballer.
“It is an exciting prospect for him to be joining Derby County and he can bring so much to this squad, both on and off the pitch.”
Rooney shared the same enthusiasm as his manager, stating: “I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with.
“I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January.”
Rooney also reassured the role he’d play with upcoming youth in the Derby squad, saying: “I am equally excited to begin my coaching career at Derby County working with both the first team and Academy.”
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