Wayne Rooney struggled with a drinking problem during his playing career. The former star player of Manchester United and all-time top scorer of the England national team opens up about his alcohol consumption in conversation with the BBC.
Rooney suffered from the mass attention and pressure after breaking through to Everton at the age of 16. He abused alcohol to cope with his mental problems. When he had a few days off, the attacker reached for the bottle. “I would literally drink for two days, then freshen up — eye drops, gum, mouthwash — then go for a run and workout on a soccer field.”
Rooney knew he had a problem, but didn’t dare to seek help. “Ten, fifteen years ago I couldn’t walk into a dressing room and say: I struggle with alcohol, I struggle with my mental health† It just couldn’t be.” During the darkest days, Rooney feared he would kill himself or someone else. “I’ve been drunk behind the wheel, I could have killed someone.”
The now 36-year-old Englishman, who is currently manager of Derby County, eventually realized he needed help. “To save myself, but also my family.” Rooney also admits that he’s skated several times, but he’s still with his wife Colleen, with whom he has four children. “She could have left me, but we love each other.”
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