Rooney returns Rooney as a coach and player in England

Former England captain Wayne Rooney was sent home as a "coach and player" by Derby County, a year after his move to the United States.

The English and DC United teams announced on Tuesday that the former top international striker will leave his current squad early next year after entering into an agreement with Derby County on the 33-year-old former star. .

"After the MLS 2019 season, Wayne Rooney will leave the club to pursue his career in England to get closer to his family," DC United said in a statement.

"It was announced today, with the approval of DC United, that Rooney had completed negotiations to become a coach for Derby County in the Championship (English) Championship (2020)."

At the same time, Derby County announced the arrival of Rooney "for an initial period up to the summer of 2021 with an additional public option," indicating that it would be " a coach and would continue to develop his training lessons for a possible career in training. "

Rooney's achievements have been marked by 359 career goals, 53 goals in 120 international appearances for the "Three Lions", 253 goals for Manchester United and five victories in the English Premier League and the Champions League.

Rooney said on the club's website: "I am excited about the opportunity to join Philippe Coco (Dutch), his coaching staff and the starting group's composition in early January."

This decision comes after Mel Morris, owner of Derby County, revealed that he was trying to bring Rooney back from the United States, where he had been professional since the summer of 2018.

Rooney's name has been linked in recent days to the role of player and coach at Pride Park, where his former teammate Frank Lampard took his first coaching positions last year before finally settling in Chelsea.

The former Manchester United star had a contract with DC United until the end of 2021, but his wife Colleen would have wanted to return to Britain with their children.

Derby County opened its national campaign by beating Huddersfield 2-1 on Monday under Dutch coach Philippe Coco.

Koko, former coach of Eindhoven and Fenerbahce, said Rooney was a "very talented first-clbad player". "It's exciting to join Derby County as it can bring a lot to this team on and off the field and I look forward to starting working with Wayne early next year."

"We are delighted to announce that Wayne Rooney has joined Derby County," Morris said. Rooney's presence will strengthen the club's position on and off the field. "

"Wayne will join as a player but will have some training responsibilities, particularly in the development of young players from our academy, as he hopes to gain qualifications that will help him in his future as a coach. and manager. "

Burnley, at Premiership and West Bromwich, has expressed his desire to join Rooney, who holds the record number of goals for England and Manchester United.

Rooney made a big change for his team after coming from Everton, scoring 23 goals in 42 games.

"He changed everything, he changed the culture of the club," said teammate Steve Birnbaum.

He then went on to the Daily Telegraph: "The work ethic that puts him in the exercises you see in the games. We have this confidence in games because of him. "

Last week, Rooney spoke about his future: "Was it in the media? Would my wife want to follow her path? These reports are a bit out of reach. I'm focusing on playing with DC United and trying to get it to the playoffs. I have never fought so much.

Rooney did not hide his desire to follow training after his retirement, following the footsteps of his generation such as Ryan Giggs, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville.

"Training is something I thought of a long time ago. Now, I receive my certificates. It would be unfortunate to leave the game after my retirement. I am willing to coach and hope to have the right opportunity. "