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Topics: Wayne Rooney, MLS, DC United, Manchester United, Football
Ryan Smart
Topics: Wayne Rooney, MLS, DC United, Manchester United, Football
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has decided to waive a bizarre reported release clause in his contract upon leaving DC United.
The club announced that it had parted company with Rooney via mutual consent after their 2-0 win over New York City on Saturday.
Despite the result, DC United now cannot qualify for the end of season MLS play-offs, even though their record had considerably improved on the previous campaign.
The former England international will now look to move on to pastures new - with a return to an English club a possibility following his spell at Derby.
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According to Football Insider, Championship side Birmingham have a 'strong interest' in appointing the United legend despite their strong start to the campaign under former Watford and Derby midfielder John Eustace.
The Blues currently sit in sixth position, occupying the final play-off place, after a 3-1 win over West Brom on Friday.
It was reported by the Daily Mirror, as per a source, that Rooney's contract at DC United contained a release clause, dubbed the 'Coleen clause', which would allow him to speak with an English club while he was under contract at the MLS franchise.
DC United would then not stand in his way if a club offered him a managerial role.
His wife Coleen is thought to have been living in the UK while Rooney has been in charge of the Washington-based franchise.
A source claimed to the Mirror that the clause involved Premier League clubs, and that returning home to the UK would be a 'big factor' in him potentially departing DC United.
But the clause has now been waived following Rooney's exit.
And the 37-year-old appeared to indicate he would now be swiftly returning to England after his departure, telling reporters: "What lies ahead, I don't know. I've seen a lot of reports in the media. I'm going back with nothing lined up.
"I want to say on record to everyone involved in the club. Staff, players, I'm grateful."