Rooney Reveals Reason Behind Decision To Leave

Wayne Rooney has revealed that it is ambition and not money that has influenced his decision to leave Manchester United.

Alex Ferguson announced earlier this week that the striker has revealed that he wanted to leave Old Trafford and would not be signing a new contract.

In a statement released yesterday Rooney revealed that he had not received the assurances from Manchester United that he wanted about the club's future.

He admitted that winning trophies was the most important thing to him and that it was this ambition that was driving him forward.

A statement from the player read: "I met with David Gill [United chief executive] last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," Rooney confirms.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract. I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.

"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified."

Manchester City and Chelsea are the two English clubs that have reportedly expressed an interest in signing the striker, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are also possibilities.

Rooney was not part of the Manchester United squad that beat Bursaspor 1-0 in their Champion's League clash.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw