John Rooney says he fully intends to be a Chester FC player next season.
The midfielder has been offered a new deal at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium by new manager Jon McCarthy and is hopeful of sorting out his future in the coming days.
Rooney, 25, has been with the club since January 2014 and racked up more than 130 games, becoming noted for his all-action displays and ability as a dead-ball specialist.
There had been talk of interest from elsewhere, with clubs such as Forest Green Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and even Wrexham mooted as possible suitors, but Rooney says that interest from elsewhere is news to him and that his immediate focus is extending his time with the Blues.
“I've been offered a new deal but I've been away and I just haven't had chance to sit down with Macca (McCarthy) and get things sorted, but hopefully I'll be able to do that soon,” said Rooney, who counts Macclesfield Town, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City and Bury among his former clubs.
“I have no idea where some of the rumours came from but they're not true.
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“I've told Macca that I'd be willing to stay. I've been at the club for two-and-a-half years now and I love playing here. The fans can see the passion I've got, I'm the same on the pitch as I am on the training ground. Hopefully we'll get something sorted out soon.”
Rooney had been a vocal supporter of McCarthy's prior to him being handed the Chester manager's job on a permanent basis and expressed his delight at the former Northern Ireland man getting the nod.
“Macca's been great for us and I think he really deserved his chance at the job,” said Rooney.
“Since he took over I think we stepped up a level. We had a strange season as we started off well but hit a bad run of form, but Macca restored the confidence and got us back playing again.
“We've got a good squad and I think we can learn from some of the mistakes and do a lot better next season.”
