Written by Viorel Mesca
Despite previous plans of “leaving” United, Wayne has agreed to sign a new five-year contract.
Sir Alex Ferguson announced at a press conference on Tuesday that the striker had confirmed he would be leaving the club, leaving fans heart-broken.
In the past few days everybody was wondering why would he leave, how much money United would cash in, who would United buy, to fill his shoes and so on.
In the meantime, Rooney’s exit saga ended and the player himself was “delighted” to tie his future to United, according to goal.com:
“I’m delighted to sign another deal at united. in the last couple of days, i’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where i belong. i said on wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
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.”
Regarding the subject, Sir Alex Ferguson seemed pleased and declared:
“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,” the 68-year-old stated.
“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. it shows character and belief in what we stand for.
“I’m sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”
It seems that all this hype surrounding Rooney was produced in order for him to get what he wanted: a new and, perphaps, improved contract. The previous contract would have expired in 19 months, meaning Rooney could have left for free in the summer of 2012. Knowing this and based on the interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid or even City, Rooney’s representatives forced United’s Board of Directors to get the player’s desires fulfilled.
In my humble opinion, the player never intended to leave. He loves Old Trafford, he loves the city of Manchester, and he loves England. He is not like Cristiano Ronaldo in need of a new challenge elsewhere. Rooney has been 100% percent dedicated to this club since joining so why would he leave now?
There were many allegations regarding the player’s “decision” to leave which I would not write them down, but one in particular caught my attention: Rooney wanted €14m per season to earn more than Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s bollocks. He wanted more money I agree, but the €14m per year scheme it’s just not true.
The thing is that sometimes a football player, not to mention a fan-favorite, has to play hardball with the club’s management to get what is rightfully his: a new contract (meaning, among others, job security).
Normal people or superstars, we all thrive for job security, especially if our current job seems a dream come true. But sometimes one must use all the tricks, even the dirty ones, to get what one wants.
For Rooney, playing for United is much more than a dream job: it is his life.
I know there will be fans who will call him a mercenary, but I would urge these fans to give Rooney some credit. After all, he is Wayne “Wazza” Rooney, Manchester United’s hero.
One thing though: if Rooney had joined Mourinho’s Madrid, perhaps he would have become the best English striker in football history. Don’t you agree?
