Transfer Centre

Marcel Desailly: 'Wayne Rooney wanted new deal, not Chelsea'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 17 September 2013

Marcel Desailly suggests that Wayne Rooney never wanted to move to Chelsea, but instead tried to get a new contract from Manchester United.

Former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly has suggested that Wayne Rooney tried to squeeze a new deal out of Manchester United by suggesting that he wanted to leave during the summer.

Reports over the course of the transfer window claimed that the England international was keen to leave Old Trafford amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, Desailly believes that it was all a ploy for business reasons, which he has claimed is similar to an incident three years ago when Rooney was linked with a switch to Manchester City.

"I wasn't really sure he wanted to make a move to Chelsea," the Daily Star quotes Desailly as saying. "I think it is more business than a desire to move from the club.

"Three years ago he was very clever telling the club that he wants to move to Manchester City. The club have allowed him to get the biggest salary and sign a new contract.

"This time I think they have tried again. It is business, they play the game and try to earn more."

Rooney scored his first goal of the Premier League season in United's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.