20-10-2010, 06:04 PM
Wayne Rooney has revealed his reasons behind him wanting to leave Manchester United insisting it is not down to money but ambition.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Tuesday that Rooney wanted to leave the club, and admitted his disappointment and disbelief.
Ferguson insisted he did not know the reasons behind Rooney's decision to shun a new contract at Old Trafford and instead look for a move away.
But now Rooney - who has just 18-months left on his current deal, has released a statement outlining his decision to seek a move away from United.
Rooney has been quick to deny that any moves away from the club would be financially motivated, insisting that the club's lack of investment in their squad is the primary factor.
"I met with David Gill [United chief executive] last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," Rooney confirms.
"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."
Rooney also admitted he was shocked by Ferguson's comments on Tuesday, adding: "I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.
"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.
"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?
"For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified."
Huge debt
The England star insisted that he would always 'owe' something to Ferguson.
"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a
huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18," he said.
"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Tuesday that Rooney wanted to leave the club, and admitted his disappointment and disbelief.
Ferguson insisted he did not know the reasons behind Rooney's decision to shun a new contract at Old Trafford and instead look for a move away.
But now Rooney - who has just 18-months left on his current deal, has released a statement outlining his decision to seek a move away from United.
Rooney has been quick to deny that any moves away from the club would be financially motivated, insisting that the club's lack of investment in their squad is the primary factor.
"I met with David Gill [United chief executive] last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," Rooney confirms.
"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."
Rooney also admitted he was shocked by Ferguson's comments on Tuesday, adding: "I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.
"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.
"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?
"For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified."
Huge debt
The England star insisted that he would always 'owe' something to Ferguson.
"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a
huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18," he said.
"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius."