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Star reacts to City speculation
Manchester United, 09:56, November 26, 2010 , | 1 Comment
Wayne Rooney says if he'd left Man United it could have been the biggest mistake of his career but denied he was set to join Man City.
The England star, who scored the vital penalty against Rangers on Wednesday to ensure United made it through to the knock-out stage of the Champions League, made the shock announcement last month that he wanted to quit Old Trafford.
However, just days later he retracted his transfer request and then signed a five-year deal to stay with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
There was plenty of speculation the 25-year-old had lined up a move to City but he has refuted those claims and also again apologised to the fans for the way the transfer request came to light.
"Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England," said Rooney.
"I feel like I have apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying that I haven't. If that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things.
"I have made my point clear since I signed my contract that I am committed to this club for the long term. I want to be successful here."
After being asked whether a move away could have been the biggest mistake of his career, Rooney added: "Of course. You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am delighted to have stayed.
"I spoke with the manager and [chief executive] David Gill. They reassured me the club was moving forward and from that it took maybe two or three hours to negotiate my contract and sign it.
"It wasn't a distraction to my football because I haven't played that much but it was a distraction overall. I am just happy it is all over now. I want to put it behind me and look forward."
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