Derby County defender Curtis Davies has revealed that he and his teammates first thought Wayne Rooney's arrival at the club was a 'wind-up'.

It was a move that shocked many, and one that has been well documented since. Rooney looked set to finish his career out in the states but after two seasons with DC United, England's all-time top-scorer returned home.

Aged 34, Rooney is showing no signs of wear or tear as looks to bring Derby County into the promised land, before eventually getting more involved with the coaching side of his career.

Speaking to TalkSport, Davies recalled Rooney's arrival at Pride Park:

"It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster season, to be honest. Wayne signing was massive. When we first saw it on the news we thought it was a wind up.

"Him signing was massive. He’s obviously come here for different reasons. He wants to start his coaching career with the club as well."

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The move was confirmed in the summer of last year and finalised upon New Year, with Rooney playing his last DC game less than two weeks before his first for Derby.

“That’s helped us to get him in but the job he’s done on the pitch has been fantastic and he’s been what you expect from Wayne Rooney," continued Davies. "He’s been top quality and he’s been using it both for himself and also for the young lads to help them come through too.”

As a player-coach, Rooney is planning ahead with his move to Derby, but he could yet have more fuel in the tank, especially if Derby are promoted any time soon.

The verdict

His presence in the Championship has been a welcome boost for all, and Derby are very lucky to have him. It so far seems like a good fit though - Rooney looks to be enjoying his football whilst working on his post-playing career to, which could well lie with Derby.