Wayne Rooney has been named the new manager of Derby County and his wife Coleen led the emotional tributes.
The former Everton forward and England captain has decided to retire from playing the game and instead fully concentrate on a new role as the permanent manger of Championship side Derby County.
Wayne has been acting as the Rams' caretaker boss since Phillip Cocu was sacked earlier this season.
Derby CEO Stephen Pearce said: "We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager.
"Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances, notably the 2-0 home win over Swansea City and the 4-0 victory at Birmingham City."
Tributes to his near 20 years in the pro game came flooding in – with doting wife Coleen sharing some very sweet words, the Mirror reported.
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She took to twitter to say: "Congratulations on a fantastic career Wayne. Won everything at club level, some a few times over, x2 leading goal scoring records for both club and country, which have taken years to break.
"You should be SO proud of yourself, because we are!!
"Thank you for letting me be part of it from start to finish.19 years later & 4 kids who have been lucky to witness you playing. We love you!!
"Good luck in the next chapter of your career as manager, sure you’ll be great, but remember, all you can do is try your best."
Marcus Rashford also led the congratulatory posts, saying: "To one of the greatest. It was a dream come true to play alongside you. Congrats on the most unbelievable career."
He added: "The day I got my senior call up I got on the bus and had no idea where to sit.
"Everyone had their spot. It was daunting. Then I found my spot alongside Wazza, thank you for making me feel so at ease and welcomed @WayneRooney legend."
Jamie Carragher tweeted: "What a player & career! @WayneRooney Top scorer for club & country plus plenty of medals to go with it. It’s funny because he told me he would achieve all of that the first time I ever met him, in a nightclub!!"
While Tim Cahill said: "What an amazing career and an absolute goal machine @WayneRooney. Enjoy the next chapter as a manager my friend #bluefamily #LEGEND."
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The 35-year-old Wayne said he was ready to embrace a new challenge and didn't want to take the option of having an easy life.
He said: "There are people who could earn a lot of money doing TV work and speaking about players or managers from a studio,
"I've had a great career and enjoyed every minute.
"Of course, I will miss it but I've been very fortunate to play for some massive teams. Playing for Everton was a boyhood dream of mine and then to go and play for 13 years at United was the highlight.
"To stay at the biggest club in the world for so long and win so many trophies is something I'll always appreciate."
