Derby County, the competitor in the English second division, announced on Tuesday that Wayne Rooney has joined from DC United, starting in January, where the former England captain will continue his career on the field as he seeks to enter the world of coaching. In a huge deal for Derby, the club said that Rooney (33 years old) signed an initial contract for 18 months, with an option to extend for another year, and he will also work as a coach in the first team and the club’s academy. Former Manchester United and Everton striker Rooney said in a statement to Derby County's website: "I cannot be happier with this opportunity that Derby County has given me. “I look forward to working with Derby coach Philippe Cocu, his staff and the first team starting in January. I am confident in my ability to help the club and I look forward to starting my coaching career.” Rooney has become the latest member of the "golden generation" of the England national team to find his way in the world of coaching and sports management, after Frank Lampard, the former Derby and current Chelsea coach, and Steven Gerrard, the Rangers coach. Derby owner Mel Morris said: “Wayne will join us primarily as a player, but he will also have coaching duties. He continued, "The commercial benefits of this deal will be great and important for the club. After reports of Wayne joining the club, the company that sponsors the team's shirt presented to us a record sponsorship offer." You can also see on Euronews: Lionel Messi was suspended from playing with the Argentine national team for 3 months due to his statements during the Copa America The African Union is awaiting new details before making its decision regarding the African Champions League final