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By Nick Harris
20 October 2010
Wayne Rooney has confirmed in a statement that he wants to leave Manchester United having asked for assurances “about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.”
The subtext is he did not receive the assurances and hence wants to leave. This will – rightly or wrongly – fuel fans’ concerns that the Glazer takeover and related club debt is hampering its spending.
Both sides can, have and will make cogent arguments to try to prove they’re right.
That statement says:
“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.”
“I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and 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. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.
“I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?
“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.
“Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.
“For Manchester United’s sake I wish he could go on forever because he’s a one off and a genius.”
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