LONDON, Oct 22, 2010 (AFP) Manchester United chief executive David Gill claims Wayne Rooney's shock decision to sign a new contract on Friday proves the club is still a Premier League superpower.
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| A file picture taken on October 31, 2009, shows Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England. |
Rooney agreed to a five-year deal worth around 150,000 pounds a week (235,345 dollars) just days after he questioned United's ambition and admitted he wanted to leave.
The England striker was persuaded to stay after talks with Gill and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
It was a much-needed boost to a club who last season sold star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and then surrendered their three-year reign as champions. And, while some may suggest the improved wages were key to Rooney's u-turn, Gill is adamant the deal shows United remain a force to be reckoned with.
“It's a great day for the club. To those who say Manchester United cannot compete any more, we can - and we will continue to,” he told Sky Sports News. “We are here to make sure we've got a great team and do what we do off the field by investing in the team and the facilities here.
“I fully understand that in order to have results off the pitch we need a great team on it. “We've been challenging at the top of the table for years and intend being there for many years to come.” |
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