AFP
Wayne Rooney: I'm staying at Manchester United
Wayne Rooney says he will be staying at Manchester United following reports he was nearing a move to the Chinese Super League.
It had been reported earlier on Thursday that Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford had travelled to China to explore potential offers from the Chinese Super League.
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However, Rooney has now moved to squash those rumours via a statement released to PA Sport.
WHAT ROONEY SAID
"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 Man United," Rooney said.
" "I hope I'll 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."
WHY WAS THERE SPECULATION?
Speculation that Rooney could move to ahead of the closure of the CSL’s transfer window next Tuesday began to mount after United manager Jose Mourinho’s comments earlier this week.
"You have to ask him. I can't guarantee that, how can I guarantee he will be here next season?," said Mourinho earlier this week.
"If he one day leaves the club it’s not because I want him to leave. I would never push or try to push a legend out of this club to another destiny, so you have to ask him if he sees himself leaving. I don’t want him to leave."
Rooney, 31, moved to United in 2004 and last month became the club's all-time record goalscorer – a stunning late equaliser against Stoke taking him to 250 goals and surpassing the record previously held by Sir Bobby Charlton.