Update: Wayne Rooney commits his future to Manchester United, via a statement posted on United’s official website on Thursday. Manager Jose Mourinho indicates that Rooney is back in training with the club on Friday during his press conference
Rooney said: “Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I’m grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United.
“I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts. It’s an exciting time at the club and I want to remain a part of it.”
Mourinho on Rooney: “He’s fine, he’s training with the team." https://t.co/zZUTB2haQc
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 24, 2017
Manchester United and England Captain Wayne Rooney is one of the most decorated and accomplished players in the sport. By early next week though, he may or may not be on his way out of the country where the game was invented.
Rooney didn’t travel with the Red Devils to St. Etienne for their round of 32 Europa League tie, which United won 1-0, 4-0 on aggregate. With the Chinese Super League transfer deadline fast approaching, and Rooney’s playing time further diminishing, speculation is soaring about a potential move.
Sky Sports says in spite of the offers, Wayne Rooney is likely to stay:
Rooney’s advisers have been approached by several Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs who are willing to make him the world’s best-paid player, offering £750,000 a week.
The clubs include Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande, who are managed by Felipe Scolari, and Beijing Guoan, who finished fifth in the CSL last season.
Wayne Rooney is keen to remain at Manchester United until the end of the season and help the club pursue silverware on three fronts before considering a move to China…
Reports have linked the United and England captain with a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline in China, with the forward having been offered a salary in the region of £3 million a month.
Ahead of Wednesday’s match, Mourinho was asked about the health of Wayne Rooney (more on that here), but also about the captain’s future at the club.
When pressed about transfer rumors linking Rooney to China, before next week’s Chinese Super League transfer deadline, Mourinho responded: “You have to ask him. Of course I can’t guarantee [he will be here]. I can’t guarantee that I’m here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season?”
“What I can guarantee is that if Wayne one day leaves the club it is not because I want him to leave the club. That’s the only thing I can guarantee.” (here’s a link to more on that, as well as the Mourinho video)
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and Bold, contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
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