Wayne Rooney accepts playing career could be over if Derby coaching post becomes permanent
Wayne Rooney has admitted he could have played his last game as a professional footballer, after being confirmed as Derby’s interim manager.
Rooney is 35 and England’s all-time record goalscorer but revealed he would retire, after a glittering career, if he was to land the job on a permanent basis.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport, the former Manchester United forward is taking full responsibility for Saturday’s crucial game against Wycombe, effectively dropping himself from the squad to focus on management.
With the takeover by Sheikh Khaled understood to be on the verge of completion “in the next few days”, Rooney could boost his chances of securing the role with a victory this weekend.
Rooney’s contract as player-coach expires at the end of this season, and he has come under scrutiny from some supporters over his performances in a underwhelming campaign for the club.
When asked if Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough could prove his last game, Rooney said: “I think that possibility is there, of course.
‘If I manage the team long-term I don't feel it is possible to manage and play. If I’m not managing the team or not part of the coaching staff I will continue to play, but if I’m asked to manage the team on a full-time basis that will be the end of my playing days.
“I want to do this job, I want to go into management, but the focus is on Saturday. The new owners are not yet in the club, though they are days away from finalising [the takeover].
“Beyond that, I’ll speak to [chief executive] Stephen Pearce, [technical director] Steve McClaren and to the new owners once that is finalised on where we go from there.”
Rooney and the other interim coaches, Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker, have lost both their games since the departure of Phillip Cocu earlier this month.
Derby are bottom of the Championship after only one victory this season, with Wycombe three points above them in the table.
Rooney said: “I want to see a positive reaction from the last game [a 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough].
“I’ve dropped myself and the players need to feel that this is a massive game. They need to show their fight and determination, and enjoy the challenge.
“We thought it was better to have just one voice, and that’s why I’m in this role. I’ve worked under some of the best managers and I study the game: I’ve prepared for this moment and that will help me.”
