WAYNE ROONEY has officially hung up his boots after being appointed the permanent Derby manager.

The Manchester United legend, 35, penned a two-and-a-half-year contract after stepping in as interim boss when Phillip Cocu was sacked in November.

With the club previously rock-bottom of the Championship, Rooney has won three out of his nine games in charge and drawn four.

They remain in a relegation spot but sit behind 21st-place Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference.

There have been clear signs of improvement on the field including a 4-0 victory at Birmingham, an impressive 2-0 home win over Swansea and five clean sheets.

Speaking of his first permanent step into management, Rooney told Derby's official site: "When I first arrived back in the United Kingdom I was completely blown away by the potential of Derby County Football Club.

"The Stadium, training ground, the quality of the playing staff and the young players coming through and of course the fan base that has remained loyal and supportive.

“Despite other offers I knew instinctively Derby County was the place for me.

"To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour and I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

Rooney will be supported alongside Liam Rosenior as his assistant with Shay Given and Justin Walker part of his backroom staff.

His appointment means Rooney has officially called time on his illustrious playing career.

He retires as Manchester United and England's record goalscorer with 253 and 53 goals respectively.

He burst on the scene as a 16-year-old for Everton and made his name by scoring a last-minute winner against Arsenal.

In 2004 he made the switch to the Red Devils where he won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League.

Rooney moved back to Everton for a season in 2017 before enjoying the twilight of his career at DC United before signing for Derby as a player-coach in January 2020.

He retires as one of the greatest English forwards the game has produced.

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