Rooney signs new contract with Man U

MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- British soccer star Wayne Rooney, who recently indicated he might want to leave Manchester United, has agreed to a five-year contract with the team.

The team said Friday Rooney had signed through June 2015. Financial terms weren't released.

Manchester United club Manager Alex Ferguson said this week that Rooney had asked to leave the team. Rooney had said he had concerns about the competitive level of Manchester United, which is tied for third eight games into the Premier League season.

"It's been a difficult week but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United," Ferguson said in a statement. "I said to the boy that the door is always open and I'm delighted Wayne has agreed to stay."

Rooney, who turns 25 Sunday, has been with Manchester United since 2004, helping the team to Premier League championships in 2007, '08 and '09. He has one goal in five matches this season but has had his playing time limited because of an ankle injury.

"I'm delighted to sign another deal at United," Rooney said in the team's statement. "In the last couple of days, I've talked to the manager and the owners and they've convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager's a genius and it's his belief and support that have convinced me to stay."