Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed that he turned to alcohol to overcome professional and personal challenges during the peak of his football career.
Wayne Rooney has opened up on the challenges he faced at the height of his career while playing for Manchester United.
The ex-Everton and Manchester United striker made an appearance on a new BBC podcast with the rugby league legend Rob Burrow.
Rooney opened up on how he dealt with personal challenges at the height of his career.
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Wayne Rooney on turning to alcohol to help personal problems
“I’ve had many different challenges, both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my release was alcohol,” said Rooney
“When I was in my early 20s… I’d spend a couple of days at home and wouldn’t move out of the house and drink really almost until you pass out.
“I didn’t want to be around people because sometimes you feel embarrassed. I didn’t know how else to deal with it, so I chose alcohol to try and help me get through that.
“When you do that and don’t take the help and guidance of others, you can really be in a low place and I was for a few years. Thankfully now I am not afraid to go and speak to people over some issues which I may have. It’s so important that you speak out to people.”
Rooney is the record goalscorer for Manchester United and was the record goalscorer for the England national team from 2015 to 2023.
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