Wayne Rooney has stepped down from his role as Derby County manager with immediate effect.
The 36-year-old's contract with the Rams was due to run until next summer, and he was expected to stay with the club for the 2022-23 campaign despite their relegation to League One.
However, a statement from Derby, who have been in administration since September of last year, revealed that Rooney has departed the club.
"Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County," read a statement from Rooney on the club's official website.
"Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club. In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
"My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
© Reuters
"Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months. I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times.
"Finally, I am aware that the club still have interested parties who wish to take over the running of the club. To them I say this, Derby County is a great club with a great history and great fans. I wish you all the best and much success for the future."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby said: "The joint administrators are very disappointed that Wayne has taken the difficult decision to leave the club and we have spent some time today trying to persuade him to stay but understand his reasons for wanting to go.
"We are extremely grateful to him for his excellent work in the face of challenging on-field circumstances in the 2021/22 season and admire the manner in which he has led the team, the club and the local community through various off-field issues.
© Reuters
"The joint administrators recognise that staff and supporters will be frustrated and equally disappointed by this news, but we all wish him, his wife Coleen and their four boys every success in the future and we are sure they will always be welcomed back.
"All parties recognise the need to conclude a sale of the business and assets of the Club, as a matter of urgency and the joint administrators wish to reconfirm that Wayne's departure will not affect those ongoing, positive discussions."
A 21-point deduction led to Derby's relegation from the 2021-22 Championship, and the Rams will play in the third tier of English football next term for the first time since 1986.
American businessman Chris Kirchner had been in talks over a takeover of the club, but a potential deal fell through last week.
Rooney rejected the chance to be interviewed for the Everton job in January, as he was determined to finish the season at Derby, but he was unsuccessful in his attempts to keep the club in the Championship.
