Wayne Rooney told Derby's prospective new owners that the Rams are a "great club with a great history and great fans" in a stirring message as he asked to step down as manager.
The Manchester United and England legend, 36, spent 18 months in charge at Pride Park and informed Derby's administrators of his desire to leave on Friday. Rooney's time at the club was littered with off-pitch issues and collapsed takeovers.
He was unable to steer Derby to safety last season as they were relegated to League One after receiving deductions totalling 21 points - for breaching financial regulations and entering administration. Nonetheless, Rooney outlined his desire to stay put so long as a new owner could successfully complete a takeover of the Midlands side.
