Ex-England captain Wayne Rooney says his move to Derby County is not “just about coming home”, and he hopes to keep playing for as long as possible.
The 33-year-old forward will join the Championship side from Washington-based DC United in January as a player-coach.
“The opportunity to come back here and play and take the next transition in my career was one factor,” said Rooney, who has signed an 18-month deal.
“I will keep playing until my body says I can’t any more. I feel good.”
Rooney still had two seasons remaining on his contract with his Major League Soccer side, who he joined from Everton in July 2018.
He has scored 23 goals in 41 league appearances during a successful period on the pitch, but there have been reports suggesting his family have not settled in the United States.
“We’ve got four young boys and certainly for my oldest it is a crucial time in his schooling,” said Rooney. “[But] it wasn’t just about coming home.
“I had a decision to make and the decision to come and play here in England and develop as a coach with [Derby manager] Phillip Cocu was too good to turn down.
“Firstly, I’m a player and feel I have a lot of quality to bring to the squad. But, secondly, I want to learn from Phillip and his staff to gain experience for when I take the next step.”
