Wayne Rooney apologises to family and Derby County over hotel party photos

Wayne Rooney has apologised to his family and club after photos of him and a group of young women in a hotel room were shared online.

Pictures appearing to show the Derby County manager, 35, asleep in a chair were posted on social media over the weekend.

An investigation into an allegation of blackmail made in relation to the photographs was dropped by police on Tuesday, with Cheshire detectives confirming they would not be taking any further action regarding the complaint.

There is no suggestion that the former Manchester United forward acted inappropriately during the encounter.

"I made a mistake,"Rooney told Sky Sports News on Wednesday after Derby’s 1-0 win against Spanish side Real Betis.

"I went to a private party with two of my friends and from me, I'd like to apologise to my family and the club for the images which were going round and I want to move forward on this.

"I'm grateful to Derby County for giving me this opportunity to get this club back to where it belongs and I'll do everything in my power to make sure I do that.”

The photos went viral on social media on Sunday.

Rooney’s representatives reported the photos to police and made a complaint of possible blackmail on behalf of the former England star.

Cheshire Police said in a statement: "On Monday July 26 Cheshire Constabulary received reports of a possible blackmail relating to a number of images circulating online.

"Officers have spoken to the person involved and are satisfied that no offences have taken place. The person involved has also stated that they do not wish to take the matter any further."

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