Wayne Rooney reveals he snubbed other managerial opportunities to hold out for Birmingham job at first press conference
BIRMINGHAM CITY’S new manager Wayne Rooney revealed he had other offers before taking over at St Andrew’s.
Rooney was announced as John Eustace’s replacement on Wednesday after leaving DC United.
And the Manchester United legend confirmed he was also approached by other clubs looking to snatch his signature.
However, the former Derby boss opted for the Blues because of their “exciting” ambitions.
Rooney said during his first press conference: “For myself, firstly to get back into English football is great.
“It’s obviously what I’ve wanted to do and to be honest I’ve had opportunities over the last four to six weeks at other clubs as well to do that.
“But, thing is, speaking to Birmingham and seeing the ambitions of the club where they want to go to, where they want to get to excited me.
“I want to be successful, it’s clear that the club want to be successful. It was a very easy decision once I’d spoke to them.
“I’m coming into the club and I’m just really excited to get going. I’m happy to be back, bit jet lagged still…
“But just excited to get going and I’m really looking forward to the next game because we have work to do and my first training session with the players will be a bit different to what they’re used to.
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“But it’s an exciting time and I’m delighted to be a part of that.”
Birmingham co-owner and NFL legend Tom Brady had been in regular talks with Rooney over the position in the last few weeks.
The 37-year-old has brought in Ashley Cole and former United team-mate John O’Shea as coaches.