Rooney signs new deal at Man Utd

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Wayne Rooney has signed a contract extension with Manchester United that will keep him at the club until 2012.

The England international striker, 21, joined the Old Trafford outfit two years ago in a £27m move from Everton.

Negotiations on the contract began just two months ago and reflect the desire of both parties to seal the deal.

"It is something I have always wanted," said Rooney. "There is so much I want to achieve with this club, starting hopefully with the league this season."

Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have tied Rooney to a long-term contract just over a year since Cristiano Ronaldo penned a new deal that runs until 2010.

"It reflects our intention to build a team to stay together," said the Scot.

"Cristiano signed a new contract last year and we have other exciting young talent here too.

The team is developing with a mixture of experience and youth and I am just glad I play my part in it Wayne Rooney

"We see Wayne and Cristiano emerging as the best players in the world. They have their best years in front of them and we will all be lucky to witness that."

The news will come as a boost to the club on the eve of their Premiership match at home to Chelsea when a victory would see them pull six points clear at the top of the table.

"It is an exciting time at the moment and I am relishing the challenge that goes with it," Rooney added.

"The team is developing with a mixture of experience and youth and I am just glad I play my part in it."

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