Wayne Rooney _ who will miss at least another three weeks with an ankle injury _ agreed to a new five-year contract to stay at Manchester United. The striker tied himself to the club until at least 2015 under the new deal.
“I’m delighted to sign another deal at United,” Rooney said. “In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners, and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius, and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.”
Their fans will not see him on the field for three weeks, United manager Sir Alex Ferugson told local radio station Key 103, saying “Wayne will be out for three weeks.”
Rooney already missed matches against Valencia and Sunderland and could miss the match against crosstown rivals Manchester City on Nov. 10 because of the injury. But it is far better than being faced with the prospect of losing him altogether.
A statement on the Manchester United website earlier Friday said the surprise agreement for Rooney to stay at the club followed intensive discussions between team officials and the player’s representatives. It means that by the end of his contract, Rooney will have been a Manchester United player for 11 years.
Sir Alex said in the statement, “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open, and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.”
He added: “Sometimes when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realize just how big it is, and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is. I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.”
Sir Alex concluded, “I’m sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”
“I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history — which is the reason I joined the club in the first place,” Rooney said. “I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived, and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”
