WAYNE ROONEY HAS at last revealed his reasons for wanting to leave Manchester United – and he insists it is ambition, not money, that is at the heart of his decision.

Rooney has been quick to deny that any moves away from the club would be financially motivated, insisting that the club’s lack of investment in their squad is the primary factor. His eagerly-anticipated statement, released in the last 30 minutes, read:

I met with David Gill [United chief executive] last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.

The England man also admitted he was shocked by Ferguson’s comments yesterday, saying:

I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it. It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract.

During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world. I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

For me its all about winning trophies – as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

And though their fascinating realtionship has evidently crumbled in recent months, Rooney saved a kind word for United boss Ferguson:

Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

For Manchester United’s sake I wish he could go on forever because he’s a one‑off and a genius.