Former English striker, Wayne Rooney has announced his retirement from professional football playing career. He came up with the decision on Friday night, as he would now be taking over the manager’s role for Championship side, Derby County.

It was last year when he joined the side as an interim player cum manager. Playing 35 games, he scored seven goals, as it finished 10th last season, while it is currently lurking at the 22nd spot, in the relegation zone of the Championship.

“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. Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me,” said Rooney in a statement by Derby.

“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 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,” he added.

ALSO READ: Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay at Juventus beyond 2022? Agent Jorge Mendes enters negotiations

Speaking on the occasion, Derby’s CEO, Stephen Pearce reckoned, We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager. Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City.”

“During that nine-game run we also dramatically improved their defensive record and registered five clean sheets in the process, while in the attacking third we became more effective and ruthless too. Those foundations have provided a platform for the club to build on in the second half of the season under Wayne’s guidance,” he added.

Rooney has had an illustrious career. While he began his career with Everton, it was at Manchester United where he rose to prominence, as he played for 13 seasons, scoring record 253 goals for the club, across competitions. After he left Old Trafford in 2017, he had a brief stint with Everton again, before moving to DC United, in the Major League Soccer.

Following his retirement, tributes poured in from fans, ex-teammates, as well as his former clubs: