Wayne Rooney has opened up on his decision to become manager of Plymouth Argyle after it was confirmed he'd be taking charge of the Championship side.
The 38-year-old is returning to the dugout five months after he was sacked by Birmingham City following a dreadful stint at St Andrew's.
Rooney will replace Ian Foster and is eager to get going in his new role.
And the former England skipper has explained his decision to take on the role, insisting the opportunity was too good to turn down.
Wayne Rooney has become the new manager of Championship side Plymouth Argyle
PA
"Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career – and I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for the faith they have shown in me," he told the club's official website.
“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project.
"I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army.
“I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park.
"The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.
“I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.”
Chairman Simon Hallett has also opened up on the decision to bring in Rooney.
He says the knowledge of the former Manchester United and Everton star was a big factor in the club's decision.
And Hallett insists their ambitions are aligned as they look to stay in the Championship once more.
“Throughout the interview process, Wayne showed himself to be a passionate, intelligent, and knowledgeable candidate with an appetite to prove himself and develop his managerial career," e said.
“So much so, that he reached out to the Board when we started this process and was attracted by the project at hand and showed a real plan on how to lead the football club forward.
“His ambitions and aims match ours perfectly and we feel he is the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football that we all like to see and help us achieve the club’s mission.
“We look forward to another exciting season of Championship football, and I welcome him to Argyle.”
Argyle Chief Executive Andrew Parkinson insists the team will now work with Rooney to bolster their squad, having narrowly avoided relegation last season.
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“Wayne brings a wealth of football experience to Argyle and a passion to kickstart his managerial career with an ambitious, forward-thinking and well-managed football club," he said.
“As conversations advanced, it was clear there was a natural alignment in our footballing ideals and the best way to take the club forward.
Wayne Rooney is returning to management with Plymouth after a dreadful stint in charge of Birmingham
PA
“When you have positive conversations like that it is a perfect match, and we believe Wayne is the ideal person to help the club on its next five-year journey.
“Focus will now switch to strengthening the squad ahead of next season, with our recruitment team working hard behind the scenes and Wayne will be an important contributor to that work.”
