• Football

Rooney signs bumper United extension

Wayne Rooney has ended speculation about his future by signing a record-breaking contract extension which will see him remain with Manchester United until 2019.

The England striker will be paid £300,000-a-week in basic salary, making him the best-paid player in the club's history, and is set to become a club ambassador when he decides to retire.

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"I'm very happy to have signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world and to know that I will be playing here for the majority of my career is something that I'm looking forward to. I'm happy that everything is now finalised and I can carry on concentrating on my football," Rooney said in a statement on his website.

And with United facing the possibility of missing out on Champions League football next season, Rooney added: "I know that's what some of the press thought [about signing a new deal] but it's not a massive concern for me. This is because I know the direction that this club is going in, and if we don't make it this season then we will come back stronger and claim a Champions League spot next season.

"Let's not forget we still have a chance this year, some of the other teams are playing well but we have a strong squad here and if we have a positive end to the season then who knows what can happen."

Very happy to announce that I have signed a new extended contract with Manchester United  pic.twitter.com/8wAN9XbCBG— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) February 21, 2014

If Rooney sees out the duration of the deal it will bring his tenure at United to 15 years, while it is also likely Rooney will score the 41 goals needed to surpass Bobby Charlton's club record of 208.

The deal represents a massive boost to struggling United boss David Moyes and ends months of speculation over Rooney's position, after Sir Alex Ferguson said the striker had asked to leave the club at the end of last season.

Chelsea submitted two bids for Rooney last summer, both which United rejected, while Arsene Wenger also declared Arsenal were interested in the striker.

Moyes has been steadfast in his desire to keep Rooney at United, a stance only hardened after the club record signing of Juan Mata in the January transfer window.

Refusing to sell Rooney meant they risked losing the 28-year-old on a free transfer in 2015.

Since joining from Everton on a £25.6 million deal in 2004 Rooney has won five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the Champions League in 2008.

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