Chelsea target Rooney DID ask to leave United this summer insists Ferguson

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has confirmed that Wayne Rooney did ask to leave Old Trafford this summer - prompting the eventually unsuccessful transfer saga involving the Manchester United striker and Chelsea.

Rooney's camp have since played down speculation that the 27-year-old told Ferguson he wanted to leave the Premier League champions prior to the Scot's retirement.

But Fergie revealed in his book, My Autobiography, that Rooney did in fact push for an exit this summer, causing Chelsea to publicly declare their intentions to sign him.

"He came into my office the day after he won the League and asked away," said Ferguson.