Wayne Rooney has signed a contract extension with Manchester
United that will keep him at the club until 2012.
The England international striker, 21, joined the Old Trafford
outfit two years ago in a £27m move from Everton.
Negotiations on the contract began just two months ago and reflect
the desire of both parties to seal the deal.
"It is something I have always wanted," said Rooney. "There is so
much I want to achieve with this club, starting hopefully with the
league this season."
Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have tied
Rooney to a long-term contract just over a year since Cristiano
Ronaldo penned a new deal that runs until 2010.
"It reflects our intention to build a team to stay together," said
the Scot.
"Cristiano signed a new contract last year and we have other
exciting young talent here too.
"We see Wayne and Cristiano emerging as the best players in the
world. They have their best years in front of them and we will all
be lucky to witness that."
The news will come as a boost to the club on the eve of their
Premiership match at home to Chelsea when a victory would see them
pull six points clear at the top of the table.
"It is an exciting time at the moment and I am relishing the
challenge that goes with it," Rooney added.
"The team is developing with a mixture of experience and youth and
I am just glad I play my part in it."
