Rooney confirms move

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Wayne Rooney has released a statement confirming he intends to leave Manchester United.

The 24-year-old striker released the statement on Wednesday, a day after Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told reporters Rooney had put contract negotiations on hold.

In it, the England international - who has been troubled by poor form and sordid allegations surrounding his private life this season - confirmed he would be seeking a move away from Old Trafford.

Rooney claims the chief reason for his desire to leave was the fact United chief executive David Gill could not guarantee him the future quality of the squad.

"I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," Rooney said.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."

"It is absolutely true, as he [Ferguson] 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."

"For me it's 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."

While there has been rumours of unrest between manager and player, Rooney insisted he owed a lot to the 68-year-old Scot.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18," Rooney said.

"For Manchester United's sake, I wish he could go on forever because he's a one-off and a genius."

"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?"

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