ROO SIGNING Wayne Rooney signs Leigh Anne Pinnock’s husband in Plymouth free transfer after Little Mix star’s ‘it’s been hell’ swipe
Posted Saturday, October 05, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
Wayne Rooney has added the striker to his squad ahead of Saturday's clash with Blackburn Credit: Rex
Like that of his new manager, the striker's marriage has struggled with a long-distance relationship
ANDRE GRAY has signed for Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle on a short-term deal.
The striker, 33, has penned a contract until January at Home Park.
He had been a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh in the summer.
Gray, who has three goals in 13 caps for Jamaica, could make his debut at home to Blackburn on Saturday subject to international clearance.
The Pilgrims moved for the former Watford man with Muhamed Tijani likely to be out until the New Year following a hamstring injury sustained at Burnley on Tuesday.
Reacting to the signing, Rooney said: "Once we knew the severity of Muhamed’s injury, we moved quickly to bring in a striker to replace him.
"Andre is a striker of real quality and has played and scored goals at the highest level.
"He will provide competition in forward areas as we head into a busy period of the season and I am really happy to have him here."
Gray, who is married to singer Leigh Anne Pinnock, returns to England for the first time since leaving Vicarage Road two years ago.
During his time 10-month spell in Saudi Arabia, he and Leigh Anne were forced into a long-distance relationship which she described as "hell".
The couple would only see each other for a few days a month during his time in the Middle East.
Back in May, she explained: "We have a long distance relationship. He lives in Saudi, he plays football there.
"So for the last two years we’ve been apart, basically, seeing each other for maybe two days a month. It’s been hell to be honest."
And Pinnock appeared to give Gray an ultimatum to move back to the UK once his contract in Saudi Arabia was up.
When asked if the striker would remain abroad, she said: “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t do it. I think we have to wait and see.”
The former Little Mix star also referenced their struggles with the distance again at her first solo gig in June.
His wife Leigh Anne Pinnock described their long distance relationship as 'hell' during his time in Saudi Arabia Credit: Getty
Coleen Rooney, who still lives in Chester while husband Wayne coaches in Devon, has also opened up on the difficulties of a long-distance marriage.
Gray previously scored 56 goals in 146 Championship appearances for Brentford, Burnley, Watford and QPR.
Those came either side of more than 100 Premier League matches for the Clarets and Hornets.
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