Wayne Rooney says he will stay at Manchester UnitedBy Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 23/02/17 7:34pm
Wayne Rooney has released a statement saying that he will be staying with Manchester United.
Rooney's agent Paul Stretford flew out for talks with Chinese Super League clubs who are interested in signing the England captain.
But Rooney, who recently became United's all-time record goalscorer, has decided to remain at the club he joined from Everton back in 2004.
His statement read: "Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I'm grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United.
"I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts."It's an exciting time at the club and I want to remain a part of it."
The Chinese transfer window closes on February 28 and United manager Jose Mourinho said earlier in the week that he could not guarantee that Rooney would remain with the club.
But the 31-year-old Rooney still has 18 months on his contract and, with United still in the FA Cup, Europa League and the race for a top-four Premier League spot, Rooney has decided he is needed at Old Trafford.
Rooney has already announced plans to retire from international football after next year's World Cup in Russia but his desire to continue his England career until then may also have factored into his decision.
However, the forward remains a doubt for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley, despite having returned to training after a muscular injury.
Rooney has struggled for regular game time under Mourinho this season but became United's all-time record goalscorer last month when he scored his 250th goal for the club against Stoke.
Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson said on Thursday, before Rooney released his statement, that the former Everton striker still has plenty to offer in the Premier League and would like him to end his career back at Goodison Park. He left the Toffees for United as an 18-year-old in 2004.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10778909/wayne-rooney-says-he-will-stay-at-manchester-united
