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Rooney to join Derby County as player-coach in January

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Wayne Rooney is set to return to England in January 2020 as he has sealed a deal to join English Championship club Derby County as a player-coach.

The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for MLS side DC United, will join the Rams on an initial 18-month contract.

Rooney left England in 2018 when he signed for Washington-based DC from Everton in July, and has scored 23 goals in 41 league games.

Read Also: Arsenal wish Koscielny all the best as defender joins Bordeaux

“I’m sure I can make a big contribution,” said the former England captain and Manchester United legend, who has more than two seasons left on his deal with DC United.

“While the decision to move home was a tough one, family is everything to us and we make this change to be closer to the ones we love back in England,” he added.

“I am very excited about the opportunity Derby County have provided me with. I am looking forward to joining [Derby manager] Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January.

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

Derby are currently under the management of former Netherlands midfielder Cocu after Rooney’s former England team-mate Frank Lampard left for Chelsea last month.

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