WAYNE ROONEY has revealed he is ready to hang up his boots if Derby offer him the managerial job on a permanent basis.
The 35-year-old has been named the sole interim boss of the Rams, who he joined as a player-coach in August.
Wayne Rooney will be in charge of Derby for Saturday’s game against WycombeCredit: YouTube/ Derby County Football Club
Rooney, 35, had been taking charge of Derby along with Liam Rosenior following the sacking of Phillip Cocu
But just days after arriving as technical director at Pride Park, Steve McLaren handed Rooney full control.
Rooney has insisted he is ready to end his 18-year playing career in order to focus on management at Pride Park.
The former Manchester United star said: “That possibility (of ending his playing days) is there, of course.
“As I have stated I want to do this job and I want to go into management.
“If I manage the team long-term I do not feel it is possible to manage and play.
“If I’m not managing the team I will continue to play, but if I’m asked to manage the team on a full-time basis that will be the end of my playing days.
“It’s not the answer you want to hear but as I keep saying, the focus is on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney does not believe it is possible to manage while still playingCredit: PA:Press Association
“The new owners are not yet here [but they are] days away from finalising so I have to focus on the team.
“I’m sure in the near future I’ll be able to answer these questions better.
“Management is what I want to do and what I see myself doing.
“On Saturday it is the right decision to give my full attention to managing the team and not lose focus on that by taking part in the game.
“We are all doing what we can to help Derby get out of this mess.”
Wayne Rooney kicked off his senior career with Everton in 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
Wayne Rooney’s playing career
2002-2004 – Everton
2004-2017 – Manchester United
2017-2018 – Everton
2018-2020 – D.C. United
2020 – Present – Derby County
Rooney faces a tough task if he wants to get Derby back to winning ways.
The Championship side are without a win in their last nine matches in all competitions.
As things stand, they are slumped firmly at the bottom of the table with just one win in 13 attempts.
Wayne Rooney reveals he was keen to swap Manchester United for Barcelona in 2010
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
