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| Wayne Rooney's Shocking U-Turn: Revisiting His 2010 Manchester United Contract Renewal |
In a surprising twist of fate, Wayne Rooney made a shocking U-turn by signing a new five-year deal with Manchester United on this day in 2010. Just two days earlier, the football world was taken aback when the United and England striker had declared his intention to quit Old Trafford, releasing a statement that questioned the club's ambition.
The then 24-year-old didn't hold back as he criticized the club's leadership and stated that he would not be agreeing to new contract terms following meetings with Chief Executive David Gill. Rooney expressed his concerns, saying, "During those meetings in August, I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world. I met with David Gill last week, and he did not provide the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."
Reports of Rooney's dissatisfaction had been circulating for a few days, and even a "dumbfounded" Manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the forward's desire to leave, stating, "We are as bemused as anyone can be, we can't quite understand why he would want to leave. I was dumbfounded. Only months before he was saying he was at the greatest club in the world."
Rumors began to circulate about Rooney's potential move to rivals Manchester City, who were among the clubs keen to sign him. This even led to around 30 protesters gathering outside his Cheshire home.
Given the strength of Rooney's initial statement, nobody expected the Liverpudlian to agree to a new contract. However, Rooney's U-turn came after discussions with Ferguson and the club's owners, who managed to convince the England international to commit his future to the club.
"I'm delighted to sign another deal at United," he said. "I've spoken to the manager and the owners, and they've convinced me that this is where I belong."
Ferguson added, "I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is."
Rooney, who had initially joined United from Everton in 2004, stayed with the club for another seven years and went on to become the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 goals. This surprising turn of events in 2010 left an indelible mark in football history.
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