Wayne Rooney was openly open about his struggle with alcoholism and confessed that he would have died without the support of his wife Colleen. Rooney is celebrated as one of the most exceptional footballers of his time, with a illustrious career at England and Manchester United.
The legendary striker holds the record as the highest top scorer of all time and was also England’s leading scorer until Harry Kane surpassed him. However, in the obvious debate about Rio Ferdinand, where Rio Ferdinand presents his podcast, Rooney reveals his ongoing battle with alcohol.
He confessed that he would go to extreme lengths to hide his drinking from Ir Alex Ferguson, including using eye drops and chewing gum before heading for training.
Rooney said: “I wanted to go out and spend the night with friends.
“It was a moment in my life where I was very struggling, with alcohol. I was so struggling, I didn’t think I could count on anyone.
“I really didn’t want to do it because I didn’t want to put that strain on anyone. I remember going out to workout and dropping my eyes and chewing gum.
“I just drank for two days. I’ll go to workout, score two goals over the weekend, then I’ll go back and go straight for two days for drinks.”
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Rooney believes his wife, Colleen, saved his life.
“But when I was 17 she could see, she knew my heart and she knew I was there a little bit.
“You know, I loved my soccer. I was obsessed with soccer, but I loved going out and going out at night.
“She saw it very early on, and she controls it.
“And sometimes you say, ‘What are you doing? Why don’t you do this or don’t do it?”
“I honestly believe that if she wasn’t there, I’d be dead, and I believe that.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past, and it’s well documented, but sometimes I’m a little different. She keeps me on that path. She’s done it for 20 years.”
Listen to Wayne Rooney Meets Wayne Rooney on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
