03 February 2024 , 16:42
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Wayne Rooney is eyeing a stunning return to management in Saudi Arabia, as he seeks to revive his reputation.
Rooney was sacked by Birmingham City at the start of last month after a disastrous 13-week spell in charge. He won just two of the 15 games he oversaw, taking the Blues from fifth in the Championship table to 20th.
It marked the first setback in what had been a positive start to his coaching career, which has included spells at Derby County and DC United. Since his exit from St Andrew's, Rooney has taken some time away from football, including a holiday in Dubai.
But it now appears that he is ready to step back into the dugout, just over a month since he was fired. With another job in England unlikely, at least for the foreseeable future, Rooney is looking towards pastures new.
According to The Sun, the former Manchester United star is keen to take a job in the Saudi Pro League. Rooney is thought to be 'itching' to get back into management and has not been put off by the disaster at Birmingham.
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Instead he is said to believe he has learnt from the experience and would 'love' to manage a Saudi Arabian team. After his solid spell with DC United in the MLS, Rooney thinks he can transfer his skills from working in America to the Saudi top-flight.
It is claimed that Rooney has been told there is likely to be strong interest in him from Saudi clubs. They hope that by securing his services, the Saudis can further boost the profile of their league after last summer's transfer craziness.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Saudi Arabia be the right move for Wayne Rooney? Comment below.
Rooney was sacked by Birmingham City in January after winning just two of his 15 games in charge (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Jordan Henderson's departure during the January window has seen the standing of the Saudi league take a knock. But the appointment of Rooney would help to show it should be taken seriously.
Rooney maintains his ambition is to manage in the Premier League one day, though it is reported he is aware that is now some way from happening. When his exit from Birmingham was announced, Rooney revealed he wanted to take some time away from coaching.
"I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club," he said in a statement.
"Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
"Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16. Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager."