Emotional Wayne Rooney speech to Derby players and fans after relegation caught on camera

The pride emanating from Derby fans to Wayne Rooney couldn’t be clearer amidst their relegation from the Championship on Monday.

The club’s fate was sealed with a 1-0 loss to QPR after Reading drew with Swansea, meaning the Rams are now unable to catch the Royals. The Pride Park outfit were docked 21 points by the EFL this season due to accounting breaches and entering administration.

Rooney has amassed 31 points with his team in all, and would have avoided relegation had the 21-point deduction not been enforced. But the 36-year-old will be managing in League One next term as the club looks to bounce back to the Championship.

READ MORE: Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney outlines future plans after Derby relegation

The United legend turned down the opportunity to join Everton earlier this year in favour of staying at Derby. After full-time at Loftus Road on Saturday, Rams fans were heard signing the name of Rooney after their relegation was confirmed.

And those who welcomed the team bus back to Moor Farm - Derby County’s training ground - later that evening were chanting again after an incredible gesture from their boss and his players.

He went out to greet the fans who had clapped them in, thanking them for their support during the club’s toughest period in its history. Rooney said: “We’re grateful for the support you have shown us all season.

“It’s been tough, it’s been hard with difficult moments for us and for you especially. But we've tried our best, we’ve given everything we have.

“It’s unfortunate we’ve been relegated but now we’ll plan to make sure this club comes back to (the Championship). Your support all season honestly means a lot to us.

“It’s a weird feeling getting relegated. I thought it’d hurt more