Wayne Rooney is staying at Manchester United and has signed a new five-year contract to seal the deal, however he’s aware that his fans will need some winning round.
The U-turn comes after Rooney and his wife Coleen were under siege in their home last night as a mob of angry hooligans waited outside chanting “Join City and die.”
But perhaps equally persuasive is the rumoured £200,000 a week Rooney has been offered to stay at United.
Today, Rooney and Man United manager Alex Ferguson posed like best buddies after the deal was signed, almost as though this week’s war of words never happened.
However, Rooney is aware that he’ll need to win his United fans round again after shaking their loyalty with his deliberations over whether to quit the club.
The star striker said today: “I am delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I have talked to the manager and the owners and they have convinced me this is where I belong.
“I said on Wednesday the manager is a genius and it is his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
“It has been a difficult week for me and for the club as well. I felt I had to get my point across and we have finally come to an agreement.
“I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history – which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.
“I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s been a difficult week but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United.
“I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay. Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.
“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players.”
The rest of the Manchester United team have showed their support for the wayward striker. Defender Rio Ferdinand said in his mind “it was never in any doubt” Rooney would stay.
Related:
Death threats for Rooney
Rooney quitting shocks Ferguson
