Wayne Rooney says Derby County’s Colin Kazim-Richards deserves his contract extension.


The 34-year-old striker has put pen-to-paper on an extension to his initial one-year deal and is now contracted to the club until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Kazim-Richards joined the club earlier in the campaign as a free agent and has gone on to establish himself as a key player under manager Wayne Rooney.

The frontman has made 25 appearances in all competitions, including a run of 19 successive starts, and he has found the back of the net seven times.

His goals have proved to be crucial in the side’s rise up the table and none more so than his stunning long-range strike in Derby’s 1-1 draw at home to local rivals Nottingham Forest on Friday night.


Rooney says he is pleased to have the experienced striker around for another year and says he has earned the contract for his performances.

“We are delighted that Colin has signed a new contract,” Rooney told RamsTV.

“He has been a real leader for us in the dressing room and on the pitch, but also he has shown great ability, strength and scored some important goals for us.

“I am delighted we have signed him up for another year. I think most importantly, it is well deserved.”


Kazim-Richards, who has amassed more than 500 appearances in club football, began his career in England at Bury and has since gained significant experience both at home and abroad.

He has also played in Turkey, France, Greece, Holland, Scotland, Brazil and Mexico over the course of his career, as well as featuring in the Champions League and Europa League.