Previous rugby association star Wayne Rooney, in a new digital broadcast facilitated by previous rugby association star Loot Tunnel, said his 'discharge was liquor'
Tuesday, November 07, 2023
Former rugby league star Wayne Rooney has revealed he would drink alcohol until he passed out to cope with the pressures of professional football in his 20s, SkyNews has reported.
In a new podcast hosted by former rugby league star Rob Burrow, 38-year-old Rooney said alcohol was his "release" as he faced challenges on and off the pitch.
"When I was in my early 20s, I spent a few days at home and didn't leave the house and drank until I passed out," said the former England striker. "I didn't want to be around people because sometimes you feel awkward and like you've let people down. In the end, I didn't know how else to deal with it, so I chose alcohol to help me get through it." Rooney added.
"There were people I could have talked to but I chose not to and tried to deal with it on my own. When you do that and you don't accept the help and guidance of others, you can be in a low place and I was for a few years. Fortunately now I'm not afraid to go and talk to people about problems I might have.'
Now the Birmingham City manager, he made his Premier League debut for Everton in 2002 at the age of 16. Two years later, he moved to Manchester United in a then-record £27 million move.
Rooney scored 53 goals for England and is Manchester United's all-time top scorer. He spent 13 years at Old Trafford before playing for Everton, DC United and Derby.
Rugby legend Burrow and his wife Lindsey are set to interview sporting legends including Jonny Wilkinson and Dame Kelly Holmes during his new seven-part podcast series.
Rooney also praised Burrow's "inspirational" way of dealing with motor neurone disease and mentioned his wife's sister, Coleen Rosie, who died of Rett syndrome at the age of 14.
"I know firsthand the impact it can have on you and the people closest to you," Rooney said. "Everyone has to change the way they live and I had that with my sister-in-law who didn't have the same disease but something as severe. Your energy and staying strong helps everyone around you. I'll always be there." and your family and close friends will always be there to help you with anything you need.”
