23 Oct 2010

Rooney staying at United

9:32 am on 23 October 2010

Wayne Rooney has done a U-turn by signing a five-year contract to stay at Manchester United.

The England striker had looked destined to leave Old Trafford saying on Wednesday that he wanted to quit because of United's lack of clout in the transfer market.

Rooney, 24, says his change of heart is due to manager Alex Ferguson who convinced him that he belonged at United.

"I'm delighted to sign another deal at United. I've spoken to the manager and the owners and they've convinced me this is where I belong," he said.

A photo on the club's website shows a beaming Ferguson with his arm around a smiling Rooney after the announcement.

Rooney moved to Old Trafford from Everton in 2004 for £25.6 million and has helped the club win three successive Premier League titles from 2007 - 2009.

The BBC reports his previous contract was due to expire in the summer of 2012. He was reportedly earning £90,000.