Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson for the part his former manager played in his career, calling him “an incredible person”.
Rooney, whose relationship with Ferguson broke down a year ago after Robin van Persie’s arrival, marked ten years at the club by thanking his former manager for giving him the chance to succeed at Old Trafford.
“He was vitally important,” Rooney told MUTV. “I’m grateful to him for having the faith to bring me in from Everton.
“It was a great feeling. Sir Alex is the best manager there’s been and for him to recognise my talent and want me to join this club was a great honour for me.
“I’m a strong-minded person and sometimes you have to make tough decisions. No-one else could make it for me. It was down to me whether I left Everton and I made my agent aware and told my parents that I was going to join Manchester United. I had no regrets doing that.”
Rooney said Ferguson’s “desire for the game” had been a big influence on him, adding: “He certainly helped me a lot and helped us all. At the time I was coming into the squad as a young lad and there were a few other young lads. He brought all that together and made us world [club] champions. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done.”
Rooney signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal in February, and said he intends to see it out.
“I hope so. I think the plan is I’ve just signed new long-term deal at the club and hopefully in five years’ time we’ll be sat down for [an interview to mark] 15 years. I don’t see any reason why not.”
