Rooney makes publishing history

England footballer Wayne Rooney has signed the biggest sports book deal in publishing history, it was announced today.

England footballer Wayne Rooney has signed the biggest sports book deal in publishing history, it was announced today.

The 20-year-old Manchester United star has agreed a 12-year contract with HarperCollins to write a minimum of five books. It will net him a guaranteed €7.2 million advance (£5m) plus royalties.

The first volume, due to hit the shelves at the end of July, will be an autobiography of his life so far, up to and including this year’s World Cup. The follow-up books will cover the rest of his playing career.

The footballer said the books would reveal the real Wayne Rooney. He said: "I’m excited about this deal, it’s a big thing for me. Hopefully, there will be lots of things to read about."

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The Man Utd striker said he was a keen reader, with JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books never far from his bedside table.

"I have time to read before games. We go to hotels and there’s a lot of travelling," he said. "Obviously, I’ve read a few of the Harry Potter books. The best book I’ve read is a biography of Muhammad Ali."

Asked what girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin has on her bedside table, he replied: "The phone."