Rooney confirms Man U exit over no ‘assurances’ about club’s future

LONDON - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he is quitting Old Trafford, saying that he made his decision after failing to get any assurances about the club’s future from Chief Executive David Gill.

“I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract,” the Sun quoted Rooney, as saying.

“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,” he added.

Rooney’s statement came hours after United manager Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that the 24-year-old was putting money ahead of loyalty and trust.

“I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say and was 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,” Rooney said.

“During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world,” he added.

The former Everton player, whose current deal expires in June 2012, is understood to be angling for a pay hike to 200,000 pounds a week.

The amount would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

According to reports, Rooney is considering his options, and has told team-mates that he would not baulk at a move to Manchester City.

It is also believed that the striker is keen to force the issue before the January transfer window. (ANI)