Soccer:Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract to stay at Old Trafford until at least June 2015. The agreement comes in the wake of intensive discussions between United and the player's representatives.
The news comes at the end of a remarkable amazing week, which included Rooney insisting the Old Trafford outfit no longer matched his ambitions.
Yet after a staggering 24-hour period, and demonstration by irate supporters at Rooney’s house in Prestbury last night, Rooney is now set to stay at Old Trafford.
“It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United,” United manager Alex Ferguson said this afternoon. “ 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."
Rooney, who is believed to have agreed a deal worth £180,000 a week, said he was convinced in meetings that the club will remain competitive in the transfer market and can claim more silverware.
It barely seemed credible such a position could be arrived at so quickly. But the conciliatory nature of a holding statement from United last night suggested rapprochement was in the offing.
And, after consultation with the owners, who allayed his fears about the future direction of United, Rooney agreed to extend his contract.
"I'm sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they've read and seen," he said. "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.
"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."