Wayne Rooney apologises and admits 'mistake' over pictures on social media

Wayne Rooney, manager of Derby County, is interviewed after the pre-season friendly match against Real Betis at Pride Park on July 28, 2021 in Derby, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)Wayne Rooney, manager of Derby County, is interviewed after the pre-season friendly match against Real Betis at Pride Park on July 28, 2021 in Derby, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney, manager of Derby County, is interviewed after the pre-season friendly match against Real Betis at Pride Park on July 28, 2021 in Derby, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has apologised to his family and Derby after images emerged on Sunday appearing to show the former England striker asleep in a hotel room surrounded by a group of young women.

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The Derby manager was speaking after his side’s pre-season friendly against Real Betis on Wednesday.

Images were circulated on Sunday, gaining attention on social media and appeared to show Rooney asleep with women beside him.

The 35-year-old father of four has purchased the copyright on the pictures for a nominal £1.

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Cheshire Police confirmed on Tuesday that they had dropped a complaint of blackmail made concerning the images.

What has Wayne Rooney said?

“I made a mistake,” Derby manager Rooney told Sky Sports after the Championship club’s friendly against Real Betis on Wednesday.

“I went to a private party with two of my friends and from me, I’d like to apologise to my family and the club for the images which were going round and I want to move forward on this.

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“I’m grateful to Derby County for giving me this opportunity to get this club back to where it belongs, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure I do that.

“It’s dealt with. I’m looking forward to moving forward and preparing for another game on Sunday.”

What did Rooney’s spokesman say?

A spokesman for Wayne Rooney said: "The three girls who took the photographs contacted Wayne's lawyers and volunteered to hand over all pictures that were taken that night and the copyrights in them.

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"They have also, at their own suggestion, made a written apology to him for the events that took place and the embarrassment caused.

“It would be wrong to say no money changed hands because when a contract is drawn up there must be a sum and in this case it was a nominal £1.”

What’s next for Rooney?

Rooney, who is England’s record goalscorer with 53 goals. has been manager of Championship side Derby County since November 2020.

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The Rams host Notts County in a friendly on Sunday ahead of their opening match of the Championship season on Saturday, 7 August against Huddersfield Town.

A version of this article originally appeared on NationalWorld.com