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Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on his alcohol habit, admitting that he may have died have been it not for the intervention of his spouse, Coleen.
Rooney’s legacy
Undoubtedly one of many best gamers of his era, Rooney burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton.
He went on to affix United and loved a stellar and trophy-laden profession with the membership. He continues to be United’s file goalscorer and beforehand held the identical distinction for England till Harry Kane overtook him.
Rooney helped the Purple Devils to 5 Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups, a Champions League title, a UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Tremendous Cup.
Gaining fame at such a younger age, coupled with immense expertise, inevitably introduced vital strain and public scrutiny on Rooney.
Showing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Rooney revealed that he struggled with alcohol to the purpose of hiding his ingesting from Sir Alex Ferguson by placing eye drops in and chewing gum throughout coaching.
Rooney opens up on battle with alcoholism
Rooney mentioned, “I wished to exit and revel in my time with my buddies and having an evening out. It bought to a degree the place I went too far, after all it did.”
“That was a second in my life the place I used to be struggling massively. With alcohol. Massively struggling and I didn’t assume I may flip to anybody. I didn’t actually wish to, as a result of I didn’t wish to put that burden on anybody. I bear in mind going into coaching and placing eyes drops in, chewing gum.”
“I simply drank for 2 days straight. Go coaching and on the weekend, I’d scored two objectives after which I’d return and go and drink for 2 days straight once more.”
Rooney advised Ferdinand that Coleen saved his life.
“Coleen is very large. It’s dangerous as a result of we’re two youngsters from Croxteth, after which we grew up collectively and clearly we began courting and bought married and have youngsters.”
“However once I was 17 she may see, she knew my thoughts and she or he knew I used to be a bit on the market.”
“I truthfully imagine if she weren’t there I would be lifeless…”
Wayne Rooney opens up on his off-field points at #MUFC and the way spouse Coleen has bought him by his darkest days.
Watch the total @RioMeets interview: https://t.co/vcbPTbM43i pic.twitter.com/vSeVFwk1dT
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 24, 2025
He continued, “You recognize, I cherished my soccer. I used to be obsessive about soccer, but in addition I cherished an evening out or no matter going out. She’s seen it very early on, and she or he’s managed that. Nicely, not managed, however helped me management that massively. And at instances you’re like, ‘what are you doing? Why do you retain saying don’t do that or don’t do this?’ I truthfully imagine if she wasn’t there I’d be lifeless. I imagine that.”
“I’ve made errors up to now, that are effectively documented and no matter, however I’m a little bit bit totally different at instances and she or he retains me on that path. She’s accomplished it for 20-odd years.”
Nonetheless a recognised title in soccer, Rooney now lends his voice to punditry, providing influential commentary, particularly on the English sport.
Featured picture Alex Livesey through Getty Photos
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