One of the biggest stars in European soccer in the 21st century is heading back to England in a shock move.
Wayne Rooney, currently playing as a forward for Major League Soccer club DC United, has decided to return to his native England to join Championship side Derby County as a player-coach.
This means that Rooney, who has long wanted to become a manager in the professional game, will have the opportunity to manage for the first time in his career while continuing to play with the team in England’s second division. The former Manchester United striker is set to begin in January of next year after the conclusion of this MLS season.
Rooney, who joined DC United in 2018, has quickly become one of the biggest stars in the American league, already notching 25 goals and 13 assists in 46 career MLS games. He feels that he still has some magic left in his boots, and he’ll look to also contribute on the field as Derby County seek to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
The new Derby County setup is unprecedented for a star of Rooney’s caliber, at least in recent history. His contract runs for 18 months, or to the end of the 2020-21 season.
