Wayne Rooney 'very excited' after confirming Derby County move for January

Rooney will also join Derby as a coach to work under new manager Phillip Cocu

Wayne Rooney will return to English football in January with Derby County after 18 months in the MLS. Reuters

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will return to English football in January after agreeing an 18-month contract with Derby County, the Championship club confirmed on Tuesday.

Rooney, 33, will also join Derby as a coach to work under new manager Phillip Cocu and continue his coaching credentials ahead of a career in management.

“I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with," Rooney said in a statement released on the club's website.

“I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January. I am sure I can make a big contribution and can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the supporters.

“I am equally excited to begin my coaching career at Derby County working with both the first team and Academy.

“I must also take this opportunity to thank DC United, their owners, executives and supporters who have been superb to work with. I want them to know that I will give my all in support of our push for the playoffs.”

Rooney's move to Derby will bring to an end his 18-month spell in Major League Soccer with DC United. He was appointed captain after three games and helped transformed the fortunes of the team, leading them to the playoffs in his first season.

The former England captain will for the first time be playing in a non top-flight division when he makes his move to Derby. Rooney began at boyhood club Everton before spending the majority of his career at Manchester United, where he became the club's all-time record scorer. He then spent another season at Everton prior to his switch to the MLS. Rooney is also the all-time record goalscorer for England.

“Wayne Rooney is an extremely talented and top-class footballer," Derby manager Cocu said. “It is an exciting prospect for him to be joining Derby County and he can bring so much to this squad, both on and off the pitch.

"He has enjoyed a wonderful career, both in club football and for England, and he still has so much to give as well.

“His credentials speak for themselves. But to have a player with his leadership, skill, experience, character and work ethic will be huge for us. He knows what it takes to succeed as a player and I have no doubt he will have a positive impact right across the club.

“The inspiration and motivation this can generate is massive for all of our players from the first team right through to the youngsters in the Academy. It is entirely in keeping with, and in support of, the club’s philosophy and approach.

“I am looking forward to working with Wayne from the start of next year and welcoming him to the club.”