Wayne Rooney has expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United beyond this season as the veteran looks to continue his association with the club.
Manchester United veteran Wayne Rooney has expressed his desire to extend his stay at the club beyond this season despite losing his place as a regular at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho. The Englishman has iterated that he does want to play more football but has insisted that he seeks the same at his current club only.
The club captain attended the pre-match conference ahead of the second-leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo, along with Jose Mourinho, where he addressed several questions including the ones on his future at the club.
Winning the Europa League would earn Champions League qualification, but Wayne Rooney says the focus must be on lifting the trophy itself… pic.twitter.com/NnRkIHjdvS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 10, 2017
“Would I like to stay? I’ve been at this club 13 years. Of course. I want to play football. I think football changes and you have different periods and challenges in your career and this season, of course, I’ve not played as much as I’d liked to have played.”
“I would like to play more but that’s the way it’s panned out and I’ve tried to help the team off the pitch, on the pitch, and tried to help us win. I’ve not thrown my toys out of the pram, I’ve not made a big fuss about it but, of course, I’m a football player and I want to play football.”
Rooney has looked like a distant shadow of his former destructive self and the same has culminated into lesser playing time at the club, especially with Jose Mourinho at the helm. This season, the Englishman finally managed to break the record and become the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.
The Manchester United captain has managed 7 goals and 10 assists this season, in 34 appearances. But Rooney is not exactly happy with the restricted amount of playing time has received, with the player often being brought off the bench.
Wayne Rooney: I will love to stay next seaso and try to do everything for this club
Legend ✅
Warrior✅
Loyalty?✅That’s Wazza for you!❤️ pic.twitter.com/ygyTvab3wf
— Sportsholic (@sportsholicfc) May 10, 2017
His situation has brought forth speculation, linking the player with a move to China, with even a return to Everton being touted in the summer. However, Rooney has downplayed his exit rumours at every opportunity and has done so again.
He does have a contract with Manchester United till 2019 and the club could let him honour that, after all he has achieved since joining from Everton as a teenager.
It would be intriguing to see whether Wayne Rooney does stay beyond this season. One thing, though, is sure. Jose Mourinho is set to head a summer clearout at Manchester United and the veteran might just become a part of it, willingly or otherwise.