Wayne Rooney has left the BBC’s Euro 2024 coverage.
Initially set to work as a pundit for the entirety of the tournament, these plans were swapped for starting his role as Plymouth Argyle manager. Following the 0-0 stalemate between Belgium and Ukraine, Rooney confirmed his departure from Germany to kick-start the pre-season period at the Championship club.
BBC presenter, Gary Lineker, addressed Rooney’s departure. He said: “Wayne, it’s your last time here because you were going to stay longer but you’ve got a job.” Rooney responded simply with: “I fly home tomorrow.”
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The former Manchester United and England striker confirmed he is bound for Plymouth, adding: “The lads are back in on July 3 so I’ll be home and straight down to Plymouth.” Lineker asked the 38-year-old about his first game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on August 11, reports the Mirror.
Former Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City boss Rooney confessed to being thrilled. He said: “The excitement was there today. When you see the fixtures you’re looking through the opening games, the Christmas schedule and stuff. I’m really excited.”
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(Image: PA)
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Dating back to May, he scored the job post discussions with Plymouth’s director of football, Neil Dewsnip – a former coach at Everton’s academy where Rooney spent his formative football years. Despite previous challenges faced during his time with Birmingham, Dewsnip remains hopeful of Rooney’s success at Plymouth.
“Birmingham City didn’t go great for him but even Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced the sack at St. Mirren. What do they say? The path to success is not always a straight line?” Dewsnip remarked earlier this month.
“He’s had a bump in the road but at Derby he was up against the odds and did well while DC United almost made the MLS play-offs. Knowing the kind of person he is he would have learned from all that. He will use that as incredible motivation.”
“Wayne made the initial move that he wanted to be involved in the process of us looking for a head coach. We must have had around 80 showing an interest. We got it down to a smaller number and asked four to come for an interview.”
“Wayne was one of them and deservedly won the day. He didn’t receive any favours. It came through very strongly that he was anxious to be actively involved again despite making a very favourable impression as a TV pundit.”