Football: Ex-England forward Wayne Rooney retires from playing to become Derby manager

Wayne Rooney had been managing Derby County on an interim basis while continuing to play. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (REUTERS) - Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has called time on his playing career after being named as manager of Derby County, the English Championship club said on Friday (Jan 15).

The 35-year-old had been managing the second-tier team on an interim basis while continuing to play but will now concentrate on the role full-time.

He said in a statement: "To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club."

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