Derby County defender Curtis Davies has told the Sky Sports EFL Podcast how his teammates thought it was April Fools when told of Wayne Rooney’s signing.
The former Manchester United man agreed to join Derby last summer.
Rooney will officially become a player in January, signing an 18-month contract. He is tipped to make his debut this coming Thursday at home to Barnsley.
When asked by presenters on the Sky Sports podcast, Davies admits it was a surreal experience for the Derby players when they heard Rooney was joining the club.
We didn’t believe it as we were on the way back from a game [Huddersfield Town away] and on the night there were strong rumours we were going to sign Wayne Rooney. We thought it was April Fools. It was a strange one, but we’re delighted to have him and he’s going to be a massive addition to our squad.
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How Wayne Rooney can give Derby County a boost:
Derby started off the Championship game with an excellent win at Huddersfield Town.
That away victory, however, was their only away success of the Championship season to date and the Rams currently find themselves down in 20th position in the table.
Rooney’s availability in January will be a massive boost. Derby need a lift, and they are desperately lacking the sort of creativity England’s all-time top scorer can add.
Derby have managed just 22 goals in 24 Championship games this season. The quality upfront is there, but the lack of creativity behind his evident with each passing week.
(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
Rooney, despite being 34, still has plenty of quality. Providing he remains injury free, he could be a key player for manager Phillip Cocu to help reshape Derby’s fortunes.
Also see: Rooney responds when asked if he plans Derby stay beyond 18-month contract.
Also see: ‘No fear’: Wayne Rooney singles out Derby youngster who has impressed him.