Sir Alex Ferguson: ‘Wayne Rooney wants to leave Manchester United’
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his “shock” and terrible disappointment that Wayne Rooney wants to leave the club.
In a press conference this afternoon, the Scot revealed that Rooney would not be playing in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Bursaspor, because he has an ankle injury.
And then followed that up by confirming Rooney wants to leave the Red Devils.
"We're bemused because we can't understand why he would want to leave a club this successful. We don't understand it," Ferguson admitted.
The United boss denied that he’d fallen out with Rooney, and seemed visibly hurt by the 24-year-old’s decision as he read out the statement to a packed media room inside Old Trafford.
"We’ve never had any argument, not a bit," Ferguson said.
After being told by Rooney’s agent that he wouldn’t sign a new contract at the club, Ferguson held talks with chief executive David Gill.
"David came across to see me," the Scot revealed. "He said he couldn’t believe it and neither could I. I was dumbfounded, I couldn’t understand it at all because only months before he’d said he was at the biggest club in the world and he wanted to stay for life.
"We just don’t know what’s changed the boy’s mind. David was shocked, I was shocked.
"I had a meeting with the boy and he reiterated what his agent had said. He wanted to go. I said to him, ‘Just remember one thing: respect this club.’ I don’t want any nonsense from you, respect your club."
It’s believed that Manchester City will now launch a bid for the England international in time for the January transfer window, with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea also interested.
But when asked if the door was still open for Rooney if he changed his mind, Ferguson made his stance crystal clear.
"Of course. David’s prepared to offer the best terms possible."
Tags: