Derby manager Wayne Rooney apologized to his family and employer after photos of him at a private party surfaced online.
The photos appeared to show the former Manchester United striker asleep in a hotel room surrounded by a group of young women.
тАЬI made a mistake,тАЭ Rooney told Sky Sports. тАЬI went to a private party with two of my friends and, from me, IтАЩd like to apologize to my family and the club for the images which were going round and I want to move forward on this.тАЭ
The 35-year-old Rooney spoke Wednesday night following second-division Derby’s 1-0 victory over Spanish team Real Betis in a preseason friendly.
тАЬI’m grateful to Derby County for giving me this opportunity to get this club back to where it belongs, and IтАЩll do everything in my power to make sure I do that,тАЭ he continued.
The images circulated on Sunday on social media. On Tuesday, Cheshire Police confirmed they dropped a complaint of blackmail made concerning the photos.
тАЬItтАЩs dealt with,тАЭ Rooney said. тАЬI’m looking forward to moving forward and preparing for another game on Sunday.тАЭ
Rooney has on-field headaches, as well, including one of his own makings. With a player shortage, Rooney had been joining in training sessions. Last week, he went into a 50-50 challenge with promising young midfielder Jason Knight and the Ireland international came out of it with an injured ankle.
The 20-year-old Knight is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.
тАЬWith Jason, it was a training ground incident, which happens,тАЭ Rooney told Sky. тАЬI demand that the players train with a lot of intensity. Players get injured on the training pitch, unfortunately, Jason did, and I’m looking forward to having him back fit and ready for selection. ThatтАЩs football.тАЭ
The Rams narrowly avoided relegation in May and open the Championship season on Aug. 7 against Huddersfield.
Rooney, the record scorer for England and Manchester United, took over at Derby first on an interim basis as player-coach and then permanently in January upon his retirement.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
