LONDON: Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney ended his illustrious playing career on Friday to take up the job of managing Championship side Derby on a full-time basis.
Derby confirmed Rooney, 35, has agreed a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis in November.
In accepting the manager's role, Derby said the iconic forward had "elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job."
Rooney was in charge for nine matches as interim boss at Derby, winning three and drawing four.
"We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Rooney as our new manager," said Derby County chief executive officer Stephen Pearce.
"Our recent upturn in results under Rooney was married together with some positive performances."
Rooney said he had been "blown away" by Derby's potential when he arrived at the club after a spell playing for DC United in the United States.
"To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour," he said.
"And I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club."
Rooney, who captained Manchester United and England, hangs up his boots as the all-time leading goalscorer for United (253 goals in all competitions) and his country (53 goals — 120 caps).
He is also the second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history — behind only Alan Shearer — with 208 goals.
Alex Ferguson, who signed Rooney for United, said: "He is England's top goalscorer, he is Manchester United's top goalscorer and he has had a fantastic career as a player.
"It will give him a starting point. But like anyone else it is a results industry. He will know that better than anyone.
"It is a big step for him. He is quite a wealthy young man now, so he probably doesn't need to go into management, but he wants to do it and that is important. Hopefully he does well."
Rooney won five Premier League titles and a Champions League medal with Ferguson at the helm and captained the club to FA Cup glory under Louis van Gaal in 2016.
Derby are currently in the Championship relegation zone but are level on 19 points with Sheffield Wednesday, in 21st place. AFP