Updated 20.05
WAYNE ROONEY HAS signed a multi-million pound contract extension that could see him finish his playing career with Manchester United.
The five-and-a-half year deal is worth a reported £300,000 per week, making the 28-year-old one of the best paid players in world football and keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2019.
“I’ve been here since I was 18 and this contract will take me through to my thirties, which is almost my entire professional career,” he said.
I’ve played most of my best football here and am looking forward to hopefully playing even better football in the next few years. I’ve had a lot of special moments and hope there are many more to come.
Despite the hefty price, the news is a welcome boost for United and manager David Moyes who has come under repeated fire in his first season as Alex Ferguson’s successor.
United’s slump has seen them fall to seventh, 15 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and nine behind Liverpool in the fourth and final Champions League spot.
They could still qualify by virtue of winning this year’s competition — they travel to Greece on Tuesday for their last 16 first leg against Olympiakos — but if they miss out Rooney said it is not a “massive concern.”
“I know the direction that this club is going in, and if we don’t make it this season then we will come back stronger and claim a Champions League spot next season.
“Let’s not forget we still have a chance this year, some of the other teams are playing well but we have a strong squad here and if we have a positive end to the season then who knows what can happen.”
