'I want to be involved' - Wayne Rooney explains decision to quit D.C. United in MLS to take over Tom Brady's Birmingham City in the Championship

The former Everton and Manchester United striker was confirmed as the Championship team's new manager on Wednesday, signing a three-and-a-half year contract after he left his role as D.C. United coach.

Birmingham was bought over by American company Shelby Companies Ltd in July and brought on former NFL superstar Tom Brady as a minority owner.

After sacking manager John Eustace this week, the owners turned to England legend Rooney to lead the team's bid to return to the Premier League and he is excited to get underway.

"Obviously I went out to the States for the experience and to keep developing as a coach but when this opportunity came up to join Birmingham, it was something which I was so happy for," he told the club's YouTube channel. "I was excited, happy to be back coaching in England, I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a massive club and it's clear what the owners'ambitions are and how the club want to move forward. It's a huge story and this could be one of the biggest stories in football over the next few years. I want to be involved in that, I want to be part of trying to bring success back to this football club."

Birmingham are currently sixth in the Championship and will play their first game under Rooney against Middlesbrough on October 21.