Wayne Rooney has acknowledged facing challenges during his tenure as Birmingham City manager and asserts that he was not afforded sufficient time to bring about positive changes at the club.

The former England forward was dismissed on Tuesday, having spent just 13 weeks in the role, marked by a disappointing run of nine defeats in 15 games.

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Rooney, aged 38, expressed the need for time to overcome the setback and plans to devote time to his family alongside wife Coleen and their children as he contemplates his next professional move.

In a released statement, Rooney extended gratitude to Tom Wagner, Tom Brady, and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC, acknowledging their support during his brief tenure.

He acknowledged the results in football as crucial but highlighted that the given 13 weeks were insufficient to implement the necessary changes.

Personally, Rooney emphasized that recovering from this setback will take time, considering his longstanding involvement in professional football since the age of 16.

He plans to spend quality time with his family in preparation for the next managerial opportunity.

Concluding the statement, Rooney conveyed his best wishes to Birmingham City FC and its owners in their pursuit of ambitions.

Birmingham experienced its poorest run in the Championship during Rooney’s tenure, with 10 points from a possible 45, including nine losses and only two victories.

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Despite Rooney’s determination to continue after a recent defeat, the club staff learned of his dismissal in a meeting on Tuesday.

Rooney took over when Birmingham was in sixth place but departs with the team only six points above the relegation zone.