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    Rooney retires: How United legends are reacting

    by
    Mark Froggatt
    Saturday 16 January 2021 08:42

    The enormous success of Wayne Rooney’s playing career has been reflected by the incredible number of tributes that have been posted by legends of Manchester United and football.

    The all-time leading scorer for club and country announced on Friday that he had retired from the game with immediate effect, to take up the full-time position as Derby County manager. 

    “I've had a great career and enjoyed every minute,” said Rooney. “Of course, I will miss it but I've been very fortunate to play for some massive teams. Playing for Everton was a boyhood dream of mine and then to go and play for 13 years at United was the highlight. To stay at the biggest club in the world for so long and win so many trophies is something I'll always appreciate.”

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told us: “It is great news for Wayne and I really wish him all the best. I think he’s got everything going for him to be a good manager. He’s had a very good career, he’s got a very good personality and he wants to have success. He’s played under some top managers and I’m sure he’s over the moon at the moment, so congratulations to him.”

     

    Rooney’s announcement prompted a tidal wave of tributes from former team-mates and that includes many of the current first-team squad, as well as legendary names and familiar faces from our history. 

    Among many others, Rio Ferdinand said: “I laid eyes on him when he was 16 or 17 years old, after an England game as well, I said to his mum and dad 'make sure he signs for Manchester United' and they looked at me and laughed and probably thought, 'we’ve already done the deal'. And he came! What a player... he’s done it all. What a player, ridiculous. No-one can doubt, world class.”

    Robin van Persie wrote: “Congrats on your amazing career my friend. Thank you for the great moments both on and off the pitch. I'll forever remember THAT assist and much more. Wishing you all the best with your next step and I'm sure you'll be a fantastic manager.”

    Former team-mate Ander Herrera also posted: “I am proud that I will always be able to say that I played with Wayne Rooney. Happy retirement legend.”

    Here, you can catch up on what has been posted…

     

    Naturally, for a player of his magnitude and illustrious success, tributes also came from outside of United, as you can see here...

     

    Congratulations on your career, Wayne, and thanks for the memories.

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