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Wayne Rooney signs new Manchester United contract until 2015

The Wayne Rooney saga is finally over as the English frontman has penned a new contract with Manchester United for the best five years of his career until June 2015, when Rooney would be 29 years old. This news spells the end of media speculation about which club Rooney would be playing for as from January, with one particular newspaper already dressing him up in the Chelsea shirt, and which player would take his place at United, with some sources speculating an unlikely move from Liverpool to Manchester United for Fernando Torres. Rooney will be staying at the club, and he will continue playing once the Manchester United medical team give Ferguson the go-ahead to select him after recovering from his ankle injury. An agreement was reached after discussions between the player’s representatives and the club administration. If Rooney honours this contract, his playing years at Manchester United would add up to 11 years.

The comments of Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney himself, as well as former players of the club delighted at the news, were:

Sir Alex Ferguson

Old Trafford Manchester United v Bursaspor Champions League Group C 20/10/10 Under pressure Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson puts on a brave face for the fans as the Wayne Rooney saga ruimbles on Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

“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.”

“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. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.”

“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.”

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney on the Subs Bench Manchester United 2010/11 Manchester United V West Bromwich Albion 16/10/10 The Premier League Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

“I’m delighted to sign another deal at United.  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.”

In another interview with MUTV, Wayne Rooney answered the following questions

Wayne Rooney on the Substitutes Bench Manchester United 2010/11 Manchester United V West Bromwich Albion (2-2) The Premier League Photo: Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

Wayne, a new contract for you. How are you feeling?
Yeah, I’m delighted. There has been a bit of controversy over the timing of it all. But I’m delighted it’s finally signed. Hopefully I can move on and get back fit and get back playing again.

What have the last few days been like?
It’s been difficult for me and for the club as well. For me, I felt I had to get my point across and we finally came to an agreement, which I think is best for the two of us, for me and the club.

You originally had discussions with David Gill a while ago, can you explain your feelings and how things have changed?
As a player here at United I care for the club. I had some concerns and I made the manager and David Gill aware of that. It went on from there and it didn’t really move forward in terms of contract talks. Then in the last few days that’s all been made public knowledge, which made it more difficult. We felt – myself and the club – that we had to move quickly to sort it out. I’ve spoken with the manager, David Gill and the owners and all of them have confirmed to me that this is the right club for me to be at, and that the club is going to continue to be successful and win things. I had other things I wanted to air as well, but I was happy to move forward and sign the deal.

How complicated is the negotiation process?
It is very complicated. It’s about the football club, but it’s about me and my career as well. So I had to think about it really hard. I’m just delighted it’s over now and hopefully we can put it to the back of our minds.

How does it feel to be a young footballer in the middle of all this? What emotions are going through your mind?
It’s difficult. There’s a lot of media coverage that you have to deal with. I’m sure with other players these discussions happen as well, but they just never become public knowledge. Obviously my situation did, and it made it more difficult. But I spoke with the club and we felt it was best to move things on quickly. I’m really delighted I’ve managed to agree the deal today.

Presumably it’s wonderful at times being Wayne Rooney, but being who you are is the reason why people have such strong opinions on it…
Yeah, that’s something I’ve had for many years now and you just have to try and learn to deal with it. I know I can deal with it myself. Sometimes it does get a bit difficult, but I’m glad it’s over with now and I’m just looking forward to getting back fit and playing again.

We heard from Sir Alex earlier this week and he sounded passionate, and quite emotional. You mentioned him in your statement too; what have you got to say about the way he has been throughout all of this?
It’s been difficult for him as well, I’m sure it has. He’s got to look after the club and he was trying to convince me to sign a new deal. We spoke about it and he has been fantastic. He’s a great manager and I’ve said that many times. He’s one of the big reasons why I joined United – to work under him and be successful. I’ve managed to do that. I’m hoping in the next few years we can do that again.

Is he one of the main reasons you are staying here?
Yeah. He’s not the only reason. I’ve been here now for six years. The fans have been great for me in that time. But the manager’s experience, passion and will to win are one of the main reasons why I’m playing here.

Are you surprised by how everything has happened?
Since it’s become public knowledge, it meant we had to move quickly. Once it all came out, it looked like there was nowhere to go, and that that was it. The manager quite openly made it clear that the door was still open for me to sign and that he still wanted me to sign. That’s when I spoke to my agent and said, ‘let’s go in and sit down with them and try to resolve it and try and get the deal done’. We went and spoke to the manager, David Gill and the Glazers. And I’m just pleased we worked it out.

What’s your message to the fans now?
I’m sure the fans are upset with everything that they’ve heard in the media. But my message is that I care for this club and I want to be here. That’s important to know. I want to continue being successful at this club. Some fans might not take to it too quickly. It might take time. But I will give 100 per cent on the pitch. I want to try and build that relationship back up. I hope that we can work together on this and try to do the best thing for Manchester United and win trophies here.

Denis Irwin

“I’m delighted. On Wednesday night when Wayne Rooney came out with his statement, I don’t think there has ever been a bigger wedge between a player and the club. The club will have never wanted all of this to be so public but obviously they have all got together and found a new solution and a way forward. I’m delighted that he has signed a new contract because he is such an important player for the club, a player of his ability doesn’t come along that often so it’s a big day for United and we can hopefully draw a line under it all and get back to playing football.”

Clayton Blackmore

“It is great news, I couldn’t believe it. We all thought the writing was on the wall and he was going to go. The way things have come out in the press you just couldn’t see him re-signing for United, I thought it was a done deal that he would be leaving, be it to Real Madrid, Man City or whoever. So it just shows how strong and powerful Sir Alex Ferguson really is by persuading him to stay at Old Trafford. This could work really well for us and Wayne could become an even better player.”

Lou Macari

“It’s fantastic news. First he was leaving and now he’s signing a new contract, I’m shocked. I just couldn’t believe the news today about what had happened. You can only take the view that the manager has taken on board the fact that Wayne had bad advice to make him do what he did and that Wayne has made a mistake or two. The fans now hold the key to how well Wayne does in the future. If they can forgive him and we get the Wayne from last season back, that will be brilliant.”

We would like to express our gratitude to the Manchester United official website for the quotes and interviews, and to MUTV for the interview with Wayne Rooney.

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