Wayne Rooney resigns as Derby County manager

Former England and

captain

joined

in 2020 and he retired from playing in January 2021 after being appointed permanent manager.

Derby was relegated from the Championship at the end of last season. They were deducted a total of 21 points by the English Football League in November due to financial breaches under former owner Mel Morris.

Rooney at end of the season said he want to stay at Derby but after American businessman Chris Kirchnerv who was interested in buying Derby changed his mind earlier in June, Rooney says he has decided to resign.

"Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County,"

Rooney said, in a statement released on the club's website.

"Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision, but my mind was made up.

"My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs, and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge. Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last 18 months.

"I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.

"Finally, I am aware that the club still has interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club. To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future."

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