WAYNE ROONEY has revealed quitting as Derby County boss was "one of the hardest decisions" he has ever made.
The 36-year-old Manchester United legend resigned last week.
Property developer David Clowes has stepped in to save the club after joint administrators Quantama accepted his bid – just hours before Rooney announced he was leaving.
England hero Rooney made the call after talks with administrators, and he told Derby's website they had tried to persuade him to stay.
But he has now broken his silence on social media following the decision to step down.
Writing on Twitter, Rooney said: "A massive thank you to all the fans, players, and staff at @dcfcofficial for your support over the last three years.
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"This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my career.
"Thanks for taking me in as one of your own. Please get behind the next manager and give them what you gave me, trust, loyalty, and unbelievable support.
"Some great memories I’ll never forget."
Rooney first joined Derby as a player-coach in January 2020 and, after spending time as interim boss, was named permanent manager in January 2021.
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He almost kept the club in the Championship last season despite starting with a 12-point deduction, which was then increased to 21-points.
Rooney has been on holiday in Dubai and Ibiza with Coleen and his family in the weeks since the 'Wagatha Christie' trial with Rebekah Vardy.
He had been set for an awkward reunion with ex-England team-mate Jamie after Derby announced a pre-season friendly with Leicester.
But Rooney's decision to quit the Rams means the pair will no longer be going head-to-head.
He told the club's website on Sunday: "Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
"Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club.
"In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months."
He added: "I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support.
"I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.
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"Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club.
"To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future."
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