Rooney says he never contemplated joining Manchester City

LONDON - Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insists that he never considered joining Manchester City when he threatened to quit the Red Devils last month.

Rooney had said that he wanted to leave United because of the club’s lack of clout in attracting more top players, but he changed his mind when the club offered him a five-year deal that made him the best-paid player in their history.

“Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Man City. Believe me, if I had gone it wouldn’t have been in England,” the Sun quoted Rooney, as saying.

When asked if leaving United would have been the biggest mistake of his football life, the 25-year-old said: “Yes, of course. You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am just delighted I have stayed.”

Rooney’s comment comes after he marked his first United start for two months by scoring the decisive penalty that saw them beat Rangers 1-0 to qualify for the Champions League’s knockout stages. (ANI)