Thaindian News

London, Oct 22 (IANS) English striker Wayne Rooney made a remarkable u-turn Friday by signing a five-year contract that will keep him with Manchester United till 2015.

Just two days ago he had confirmed that he was willing to leave Old Trafford, but by signing a fresh contract Rooney has vowed to win back the trust of Manchester United’s supporters.

Rooney has become the best-paid player in the history of the club by agreeing a deal thought to be worth as much as 180,000 pounds a week in a move that will inevitably invite allegations that he and his agent, Paul Stretford, have been guilty of cynical greed to get the best deal possible.

In a statement, the club said that Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract to stay at Manchester United until at least June 2015.

The agreement follows intensive discussions between the club and the player’s representatives and means that by the end of his contract Wayne will have been a Manchester United player for 11 years.

Manager Alex Ferguson said: “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. 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.

“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

“I’m sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”

Rooney apologised to his fans and said: “I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. 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.”