Rooney extends contract with Bengaluru FC

Sean Rooney of Bengaluru FC (R) tussles for the ball with Dempo’s Jewel Raja

Bangalore, May 6 (IANS) Australian striker Sean Rooney has extended his contract with I-League champions Bengaluru FC for another year while Liberian midfielder Johnny Menyongar was released by coach Ashley Westwood.

Rooney, 25, renewed his contract for another term following a remarkable season which saw him get on the scoresheet a total of ten times for Bengaluru. He also became the second-highest goalscorer for the Blues – behind league topscorer and teammate Sunil Chhetri, who notched up 14 goals.

“I am very happy to have signed on for another year and I can only hope that the coming season is better than the one I have had. Also, there is the AFC Cup to look forward to and these are exciting times,” said Rooney.

Westwood has also praised the performances of Rooney in their debut campaign and feels that retaining the Aussie striker’s services for another year would help the Blues in defending the title in the 2014/15 season.

“We are busy planning on how we can improve and try and defend the title. One key step was to retain the services of top striker Sean Rooney, which we have!” said Westwood.

Westwood also lamented the departure of the 33-year-old Menyongar saying it was the toughest decision of his career.

“I’m looking forward to the new season now that all the celebrations are done with. Unfortunately, we have decided not to retain the services of John Menyongar,” he said.