Wayne Rooney Issues Powerful And Defiant Message To Derby Fans After Club's Relegation

Wayne Rooney issued a defiant message to Derby County fans following the club's crushing relegation from the Championship.

​Derby's fate was sealed on Monday as a result of their defeat at Queens Park Rangers and Reading's point against Swansea City.

It brings an end to a brave battle to avoid the drop, with the Rams set to play in League One next season. 

And the Manchester United legend addressed the situation to a crowd of Derby fans who congregated outside the club's training ground following their match.

In the video, he says: "We're grateful for the support you've shown us all season. It's been f**king tough, been hard.

"Difficult moments for us, for you (fans) especially. But we've tried our best, we've given everything we can.

"It's unfortunate we've been relegated but now we'll plan to make sure this club comes back."​

Rooney referencing Derby's rebuild suggests he's committed to the club amid links with the vacant managerial job at Burnley. 

Speaking after his side's defeat at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, the 36-year-old said: "I’ve never seen a team relegated and the crowd react like they did today. You can see what it means to the fans.

"This is a special club and I want to be the one to bring the happy days back​

"We need the takeover to happen quickly. We know what league we’ll be in next season now and we can get the players in. If the takeover doesn’t happen, the club’s future is in doubt and my future’s in doubt​

"I feel for the players more because (without the points deductions) we’d be safe now. We’ve paid the price for what the previous owner has left behind.

"It’s no-one’s fault - not mine, not the players or the staff - but we’re paying the price."