Former star striker Wayne Rooney was named manager of England’s second division Birmingham City on Wednesday, days after leaving DC United in the United States due to disappointing sporting results. The former Manchester United striker has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and succeeds John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday, the Premiership club announced on its X account (formerly Twitter).

While promotion to the Premier League is not explicitly mentioned, it will undoubtedly feature as Wayne Rooney’s big goal: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such a time. It is clear that they have a project and are determined to live up to their ambitions,” commented the former England international, who will count among his deputies one of his former teammates with the Three Lions, Ashley Cole.

“Wayne is a born winner. We believe that with the support of his staff, the club and the supporters, he will succeed in taking the Blues to the next stage of their adventure,” said one of the owners of Birmingham City, Tom Wagner.

At 37, Rooney is embarking on a third professional experience on the sidelines after Derby County (2021-2022) and DC United (2022-2023), the Washington franchise that he left on October 8 after missing the qualification for the North American Championship (MLS) play-offs.

Currently 6th in the Championship, two points from 3rd and last place, synonymous with promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season, Birmingham City remained on two victories in a row when the team announced that it was parting ways with John Eustace, who had maintained the ” Blues” last season in the English second division.