Wayne Rooney turned down Saudi Arabia chance to take Birmingham job

Wayne Rooney has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal to become to replace John Eustace as Birmingham’s manager. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters

Wayne Rooney has said he rejected an offer to manage in Saudi Arabia in favour of a return to England as he outlined his determination to showcase his credentials at Birmingham, who he believes could become “one of the biggest stories” in the game.

Rooney joins the seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady at the Championship club, and the former England captain and Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer said he wants Brady, who in August became a minority owner, to impart his advice on his squad.