Wayne Rooney Reflects on Alcohol Struggles and Support from Coleen
Wayne Rooney has revealed that he could have faced a tragic fate if not for the support of his wife, Coleen, in managing his alcohol-related challenges.
The 39-year-old former captain of Manchester United and the England national team admitted to struggling significantly with alcohol during his playing career.
Rooney, who holds the record for the most goals scored for Manchester United with 253 before retiring in 2021, has been married to Coleen since 2008.
In an interview on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he stated, "I honestly believe if she weren’t there I’d be dead. I’ve made mistakes in the past which are well documented, but I’m a little bit different at times, and she keeps me on that path. She’s done that for over 20 years."
He recounted, "I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends. However, it reached a point where I went too far. That was a moment in my life when I was struggling massively with alcohol. I didn’t think I could turn to anyone and didn’t want to burden anyone with my issues. I would drink for two days straight, then come to training, score two goals on the weekend, and then go back to drinking for another two days. She’s helped me control that immensely. She’s managed me because I needed managing."
'I was a binge drinker'
After retiring from playing, Rooney transitioned into management, most recently at Plymouth Argyle, where he left his position last December.
In a previous interview with BBC Breakfast, Rooney discussed the significance of his relationship with Coleen, stating, "There could have been times when Coleen could have walked away, but we love each other."
He clarified his drinking habits, saying, "I was never an alcoholic. I was more of a binge drinker. If I had two days off, I’d literally drink for those two days, then dust myself off with eye drops, chewing gum, and mouthwash to go into work and train. I wasn’t giving the best version of myself to my club at times."
Rooney also emphasized the importance of discussing feelings, saying, "I’ve spoken to people about it, and it helped. I didn’t do that; I held my feelings in, and it built up over time."
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