Wayne Rooney classy gesture after Man United icon's Plymouth Argyle exit speaks volumes

Kevin Nancekivell has waxed lyrical about Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney - describing him as "class personified" following his departure from Home Park.

After a prolonged board meeting on Monday morning, Rooney's exit was publicised early New Year's Eve, in response to the club's slump to the bottom of the Championship standings with only one victory in 14 matches. The long-serving first-team coach, Nancekivell, who has stepped into the role alongside injured skipper Joe Edwards, said: "Wayne rang me, I have seen Wayne and he's obviously disappointed and really sad. It's a horrible time.

"What I would like to say is people see the Wayne Rooney that is the England international, and legend of world football, but they don't know him as a person and I have been privileged to get to know him. He's a super human being and a fantastic guy.

"He showed a lot of class when he came in and he said his goodbyes to us and so we all wish him really well. It has been a difficult period. It's part of football, unfortunately. However, we have a job to do and we have to get on and represent the football club in the best way we possibly can."

Despite the challenges, Nancekivell and Edwards got the team all ready for their Championship clash with Bristol City on the following day, which resulted in a tightly contested 2-2 draw. Nancekivell also went into further detail on Rooney's departure: "Wayne rang me Monday night and Tuesday he came in.

"He was class personified really. He wanted to see the lads, but he also didn't want to interrupt what we were doing in our planning. He asked if he could come up and see us in the office, which of course he did. He said his goodbyes, wished us well, and we move on.

"It's a real shame. For