Wayne Rooney will return to English soccer from MLS's D.C. United in January after agreeing to a player-coach role under manager Phillip Cocu at Derby County.
Rooney, 33, will join the Rams on an 18-month contract with the option of a further year, having spent 13 months in the United States.
Derby County x @WayneRooney. #WR32
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) August 6, 2019
The former Manchester United and England captain made a strong impact in MLS, scoring 23 goals in 44 matches.
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However, his desire to get into management has brought about a return to England, linking up with Cocu in a position that will see him develop as a coach and continue playing.
"I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with," Rooney told the club's website. "I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January. I am sure I can make a big contribution and can't wait to meet everyone, especially the supporters.
"I must also take this opportunity to thank D.C. United, their owners, executives and supporters who have been superb to work with. I want them to know that I will give my all in support of our push for the playoffs."
37 - Only one player has had more goal involvements than Wayne Rooney since his #MLS debut. Impact. pic.twitter.com/qAGrMLo1Il
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) August 6, 2019
"After speaking to Wayne and understanding his difficult situation of being so far away from his family, we have accepted that this is the best decision for all parties," D.C. United co-chairmen Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien said in a release. "Our main focus now is the 2019 MLS season and ensuring we make a push towards the playoffs with the ultimate goal of bringing an MLS Cup back to the District. Wayne is an exceptional leader and one of the most iconic players to play the game so we look forward to his continued contributions to the team this season."
Rooney's last season in England did not go entirely to plan, as he often appeared off the pace in the Premier League with Everton, despite scoring 10 goals in 31 games.
Previously he became United's all-time leading scorer in 2017, surpassing Bobby Charlton's record of 249 to cement his name in the club's history.
He also won a host of trophies in his time at Old Trafford, including the 2007-08 Champions League and five Premier League titles, and became club captain.
Rooney is also the most-capped outfield player for England, having played 120 times for his country and scored a record 53 goals.
Derby's primary goal this season will be to return to the Premier League from the Championship, having lost in the playoff final to Aston Villa last season.