The former Birmingham City boss has been speaking about his relationship with alcohol and the lengths he went to hide his drinking from Sir Alex Ferguson
Former Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney(Image: Graham Chadwick/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on his alcohol addiction – and admitted he could have died if it hadn’t been for the help of his wife Coleen. Rooney is regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, following a stellar career with England and Manchester United.
The former striker remains United’s greatest ever goalscorer, and led the England charts as well until being overtaken by Harry Kane. But Rooney, appearing on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast’, has revealed how he faced a constant battle with the booze.
Former Birmingham City boss Rooney admits he went to such lengths to hide his drinking from Sir Alex Ferguson, that he put eye drops in and chewed gum before heading out to training.
Rooney said: “I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and having a night out. It got to a point where I went too far, of course it did. That was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively. With alcohol. Massively struggling and I didn’t think I could turn to anyone.
“I didn’t really want to, because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone. I remember going into training and putting eyes drops in, chewing gum.
“I just drank for two days straight. Go training and at the weekend, I’d scored two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again.”
Rooney believes Coleen saved his life and he added: “Coleen is massive. It’s bad because we’re two kids from Croxteth, and then we grew up together and obviously we started dating and got married and have kids. But when I was 17 she could see, she knew my mind and she knew I was a bit out there.
“You know, I loved my football. I was obsessed with football, but also I loved a night out or whatever going out. She’s seen it very early on, and she’s controlled that. Well, not controlled, but helped me control that massively.
“And at times you’re like, ‘what are you doing? Why do you keep saying don’t do this or don’t do that? I honestly believe if she wasn’t there I’d be dead. I believe that.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past, which are well documented and whatever, but I’m a little bit different at times and she keeps me on that path. She’s done it for 20-odd years.”