Former England captain Wayne Rooney is ending his career as a full-time Derby County coach, the England D2 club said in a statement on Friday.

The top scorer in the history of the Three Lions (53 goals in 120 caps) “decided to end his distinguished playing career to focus entirely on his activities” as a coach, describing his formation as the 22nd-ranked in the Championship. .

The 35-year-old former Manchester United striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal until the summer of 2023. He has already played the role of coach since the dismissal of Philip Koku in November 2020, while continuing his playing career. He became assistant coach and player during the reign of the Dutch technician.

Rooney, who officially joined the Rams in January 2020, played 35 games in their jersey. He will be accompanied by Liam Rosinier, who has been appointed assistant coach on the bench, and former Irish international goalkeeper Shay Given, the coach in charge of the team.

The first match of the new staff will be scheduled for Saturday with the reception of Rotherham United (23), a crucial match to avoid deportation to the Third Division.

Prior to reaching the Championship, Rooney, who was born in Liverpool and started a training club in Everton, dominated Manchester United.

Between 2004 and 2017, the year he returned to Everton, the forward scored 253 goals in 559 games for the Red Devils – a record.

Rooney crossed the Atlantic in 2018 after signing a contract with Toffees and joined American club DC United, his last experience before reaching the Derby.

Derby, a historic English football club, has won two national titles and a cup, reaching the C1 semifinals in 1972/73.