Manager on his way home

Wayne Rooney speaks out after confirming immediate exit from BBC's Euro 2024 coverage

Rooney was set to be with the BBC for the entirety of Euro 2024, but the Manchester United legend has left his punditry role early to start pre-season with Plymouth Argyle

Wayne Rooney has left the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024 in order to start his new job as Plymouth Argyle boss.

Rooney was originally set to spend the entire tournament working as a pundit for the BBC, but those plans changed when he took on the Plymouth job. And Rooney confirmed he was returning from Germany to start pre-season preparations following Belgium's 0-0 draw with Ukraine.

"Wayne, it's your last time here because you were going to stay longer but you've got a job," presenter Gary Lineker said before asking Rooney when pre-season starts. "I fly home tomorrow," Rooney replied.

"The lads are back in on July 3 so I'll be home and straight down to Plymouth." Lineker then asked Rooney about Plymouth's opening game of the season, which will see them take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on August 11.

"The excitement was there today," he replied. "When you see the fixtures you're looking through the opening games, the Christmas schedule and stuff. I'm really excited." Plymouth will be the fourth club Rooney has managed, following stints at Derby County, D.C. United and Birmingham.

He was given the job back in May after holding talks with Plymouth's director of football Neil Dewsnip, who previously coached Rooney when he worked for Everton's academy. And Dewsnip is confident the 38-year-old will be a success, despite his struggles at Birmingham.

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