WAYNE Rooney quit football in the US to save his 11-year marriage to long-suffering wife Coleen.

The ex-England ace, 33, yesterday signed an 18- month contract as a player-coach with Derby County.

8

An insider said Coleen, 33, is “ecstatic”, even though the shock move to the Championship club will cost Roo millions.

Sources close to the couple said his decision was driven by Coleen — who had pleaded with him to move back to the UK for the past year.

The insider continued: “She told Wayne this was the first time in his career he has put her and the children first.

“They’re losing millions because the Derby job is a huge pay cut but Wayne told Coleen it was worth it to make her happy.

8

8

"She is now settling the boys back in the UK permanently and has started the process of moving their belongings back.”

Wayne will start working for Derby in January after finishing the MLS season with DC United in Washington.

Coleen and sons Kai, nine, six-year-old Klay, Kit, three, and 15-month-old Cass, will remain in the UK where the boys will start new schools in September.

Roo flew back from Washington on Monday night to negotiate his contract.

8

8

MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ

ROWLING RIFT

Potter stars' swipe at JK Rowling as they sign open letter amid trans row

'SEX ATTACK'

Channel 4 star charged with raping & sexually assaulting woman at hotel

MONEYMAKER

Molly-Mae lands huge SEVEN-FIGURE beauty deal ahead of documentary release

STAR'S BRAVE BATTLE

Michael Bolton breaks silence after aggressive brain cancer diagnosis

The source continued: “Coleen thinks coaching could be the making of Wayne.

"He’ll have to be a role model to younger players and Coleen has already told him, ‘It’s time to grow up’.”

Last month The Sun exclusively revealed how Rooney dashed to the UK to be with Coleen, who was worried about returning to the US where she reportedly felt isolated.

8

8

8

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk