• Premier League

Rooney signs new Manchester United contract

ESPN staff
October 22, 2010
Wayne Rooney has signed a new contract
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Comment: Risk-taker Rooney threatens to poison the well

Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United after signing a new deal until 2015.

Following days of uncertainty after it was revealed that Rooney was 'adamant' he wanted to leave Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the striker had signed a new contract.

"It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United," Ferguson said. "I said to the boy that the door is always open and I'm delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise 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."

Rooney had expressed his concern that the club were no longer able to attract the best players in the world, but after fans protested outside his house on Thursday evening, Rooney is determined to regain the respect of the fans.

Having attracted the interest of Manchester City and Chelsea as well as Spanish sides Barcelona and Real Madrid, Rooney admitted Ferguson was central in convincing him to stay.

"I'm delighted to sign another deal at United," he 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.

"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.

"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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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