Wayne Rooney: Former Manchester United Striker Shares How He Escaped Death, Video
- Wayne Rooney has admitted he would have been dead without his wife Coleen’s support during his darkest days
- The former England and Manchester United forward opened up on alcohol struggles during his playing career
- Rooney won five Premier League titles as a player for Manchester United
Wayne Rooney, one of Manchester United and England’s iconic strikers, has revealed the depths of his off-field struggles, admitting that he believes he “would be dead” if not for his wife, Coleen Rooney.
In a heartfelt interview, the 39-year-old credited her with keeping him grounded and guiding him through a turbulent career that was as challenging off the pitch as it was legendary on it.
Source: Getty Images
Rooney’s rise was nothing short of phenomenal as he announced himself to the world as a fearless teenager at Everton, famously scoring against Arsenal in 2002, per BBC.
His talent propelled him into the England squad at 17 and quickly made him Manchester United’s record goalscorer, with five Premier League titles to his name.
But early success came at a cost as Rooney admitted that the constant pressure to perform, combined with the unrelenting media spotlight, became overwhelming, GiveMeSport reports.
He turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the intensity of life at the top.
“I wanted to live my life as well. I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends. It got to a point where I went too far.”
How Rooney got saved from death
For Rooney, his wife Coleen has been the anchor keeping him steady through storms both public and private.
“I honestly believe if she weren't there, I’d be dead,” he confessed.
“She’s done that for 20-odd years. It can be annoying at times, but I know everything she’s done is to keep me on the right path.”
Coleen’s influence, Rooney says, was not just emotional but practical as she kept him focused during his most difficult spells at Manchester United, when the pressures of fame and his personal mistakes threatened to end his career.
Life beyond the football pitch
Today, Rooney has taken a step back from management and embraced punditry, sharing insights on BBC’s Match of the Day.
Source: Getty Images
His reflections on his past are a reminder that even football icons are human, facing battles far from the roar of the crowd.
Rooney’s honesty about his struggles has struck a chord with fans, offering a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices and battles behind the success.
Rooney apologises to wife after scandal
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wayne Rooney admitted he “made a mistake” in a heartfelt apology to his wife and club after implicating photos of him and three ladies emerged online.
Photos of the Manchester United legend passed out in the company of three women garnered attention on social media. There was an initial complaint of blackmail reportedly filed by Rooney’s team, but Sky Sports has since confirmed that Cheshire Police would not be pursuing the matter further.
Source: Legit.ng
