Wayne To Rebuild The Relationship

Shortly after signing a new five-year contract with United, Wayne Rooney sat down with MUTV on Friday to talk about his new deal and staying at United...

Wayne, a new contract for you. How are you feeling?
Yeah, I’m delighted. There has been a bit of controversy over the timing of it all. But I’m delighted it’s finally signed. Hopefully I can move on and get back fit and get back playing again.

What have the last few days been like?
It’s been difficult for me and for the club as well. For me, I felt I had to get my point across and we finally came to an agreement, which I think is best for the two of us, for me and the club.

You originally had discussions with David Gill a while ago, can you explain your feelings and how things have changed?
As a player here at United I care for the club. I had some concerns and I made the manager and David Gill aware of that. It went on from there and it didn’t really move forward in terms of contract talks. Then in the last few days that’s all been made public knowledge, which made it more difficult. We felt – myself and the club – that we had to move quickly to sort it out. I’ve spoken with the manager, David Gill and the owners and all of them have confirmed to me that this is the right club for me to be at, and that the club is going to continue to be successful and win things. I had other things I wanted to air as well, but I was happy to move forward and sign the deal.

How complicated is the negotiation process?
It is very complicated. It’s about the football club, but it’s about me and my career as well. So I had to think about it really hard. I’m just delighted it’s over now and hopefully we can put it to the back of our minds.

How does it feel to be a young footballer in the middle of all this? What emotions are going through your mind?
It’s difficult. There’s a lot of media coverage that you have to deal with. I’m sure with other players these discussions happen as well, but they just never become public knowledge. Obviously my situation did, and it made it more difficult. But I spoke with the club and we felt it was best to move things on quickly. I’m really delighted I’ve managed to agree the deal today.

Presumably it’s wonderful at times being Wayne Rooney, but being who you are is the reason why people have such strong opinions on it…
Yeah, that’s something I’ve had for many years now and you just have to try and learn to deal with it. I know I can deal with it myself. Sometimes it does get a bit difficult, but I’m glad it’s over with now and I’m just looking forward to getting back fit and playing again.

We heard from Sir Alex earlier this week and he sounded passionate, and quite emotional. You mentioned him in your statement too; what have you got to say about the way he has been throughout all of this?
It’s been difficult for him as well, I’m sure it has. He’s got to look after the club and he was trying to convince me to sign a new deal. We spoke about it and he has been fantastic. He’s a great manager and I’ve said that many times. He’s one of the big reasons why I joined United – to work under him and be successful. I’ve managed to do that. I’m hoping in the next few years we can do that again.

Is he one of the main reasons you are staying here?
Yeah. He’s not the only reason. I’ve been here now for six years. The fans have been great for me in that time. But the manager’s experience, passion and will to win are one of the main reasons why I’m playing here.

Are you surprised by how everything has happened?
Since it’s become public knowledge, it meant we had to move quickly. Once it all came out, it looked like there was nowhere to go, and that that was it. The manager quite openly made it clear that the door was still open for me to sign and that he still wanted me to sign. That’s when I spoke to my agent and said, ‘let’s go in and sit down with them and try to resolve it and try and get the deal done’. We went and spoke to the manager, David Gill and the Glazers. And I’m just pleased we worked it out.

What’s your message to the fans now?
I’m sure the fans are upset with everything that they’ve heard in the media. But my message is that I care for this club and I want to be here. That’s important to know. I want to continue being successful at this club. Some fans might not take to it too quickly. It might take time. But I will give 100 per cent on the pitch. I want to try and build that relationship back up. I hope that we can work together on this and try to do the best thing for Manchester United and win trophies here.