Wayne Rooney has left his family behind amid reports he has agreed to move back to the States to manage his former club - a place his wife famously loathed.
Questions remain today as to whether Coleen, 36, and the couple’s four children will follow Wayne to Washington DC following his 18 months at the club when he signed in June 2018. According to reports in the US, the former England international is set to pen a “multiyear deal worth at least $1 million (£840,000) annually" with DC United.
However, due to family commitments back in the UK, sources close to the England great believe if he does sign his tenure could be much shorter - perhaps even months. They say he has been parachuted in to help save the club from finishing bottom as they currently languish at the foot of the MLS eastern table with Chicago.
A source told the Mirror: “Wayne enjoyed his time in Washington and he has a real affinity for the DC club. The owners are desperate to stop the club’s fall in the table and they only had one man in mind who they think could do it.
“They know Wayne well and believe he could help fix many of the problems whether that is over a few months or a few seasons. But as much as he loved it out here, Coleen struggled to settle.”
The ex-Manchester United star “loved” his time in the States despite his infamous brush with the law after being arrested for public intoxication and swearing at an airport. His time came in stark contrast to his wife who, it was revealed during her Wagatha Christie libel trial with Rebekah Vardy, disliked her time in the States as she failed to settle.
During the Wagatha Christie case, which is currently a verdict, a conversation between the two Wags revealed Coleen’s tough time while in Washington. In response to Vardy asking how things were going, she replied: “Hiya, hope your all week [well]. We’re ok thanks its tough being on your own though.”
Coleen went on to say: “Washington isn’t the best....nice to visit but different to live. Not loads for the kids to do, mostly park, hardly any soft plays and things like that.
“It’s quite behind the UK, which I never would have though. But we will get used to it (I hope). “Wayne is loving it, and the kids are fine, settled into school straight away. So really happy they are fine. Thanks for the message love xx.”
In a separate message, she admitted that she “never believed in homesickness” until leaving the UK, adding that she “cried every night” due to missing her family back home. It remains unclear if Coleen and their four sons will now move back to Washington or whether Wayne will commute.
At the time of his departure from DC United, the family’s inability to settle in the States was cited as the reason he cut short his time. The club acknowledged as much when they begrudgingly saw him leave.
United co-chairmen Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien said at the time : “After speaking to Wayne and understanding his difficult situation of being so far away from his family, we have accepted that this is the best decision for all parties.”
The issue is complicated further by the completion of their £20 million new home in High Lake Manor, Cheshire, their children settled in school and the success of their eldest son, Kai. Like his father, the 12-year-old is a prodigious footballing talent.
A year after the Rooneys returned to the UK from the States, Kai signed a contract with Manchester United. He was pictured holding up a shirt with 10 – the number his dad wore during his illustrious career at Old Trafford.
Kai attends the exclusive prep school The Ryleys in Alderley Edge. The other children - all boys - are Klay, nine: Kit, six and four-year-old Cass.
Rooney entered into management most recently with Derby County. Despite being unable to guide the Rams to safety in the Championship last season due to a 21-point deduction by the FA, he was well respected for his leadership style.
After 18 months in charge, he announced he was stepping down from the Pride Park club on June 24, sparking interest from several British clubs. However, he has remained in contact and on good terms with many as his old US club, who were keen to see him return.
He landed in Washington on Sunday night, saying he had a “few things to sort out” with the contract but was looking forward to the “challenge” of coaching DC.
His work visa is yet to be finalised, although the club are hopeful it will be in place within three weeks. Until then, he will serve as a team consultant. There is already talk about how he may start rebuilding the team, with former Liverpool player Luis Suarez being linked to the club.
