Wayne Rooney had a phenomenal career at Manchester United.
The striker came to United as a boy with the world at his feet and left having conquered it. During his tenure at Old Trafford, he became the club’s leading goalscorer, won countless trophies and became an undisputed Manchester United legend.
But this wasn’t without its struggles. Wayne Rooney was a player who was often temperamental and had some seriously bad moments on and off the pitch.
This led to some rather unhealthy habits, particularly in his earlier years – which the man himself has recently shared all about.
Wayne Rooney opens up on alcohol
Speaking on the Seven: Rob Burrow BBC Sounds podcast, the current Birmingham City manager opened up on his alcohol dependency during his 20s, which were his early years at Manchester United.
“I’ve had many different challenges, both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my release was alcohol,” Rooney began.
“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 almost until I passed out.
“I didn’t want to be around people because sometimes you feel embarrassed and sometimes you feel like you’ve let people down.
“Ultimately, I didn’t know how else to deal with it so I chose alcohol to try and help me get through that.”
Times have changed for Rooney
Rooney spoke about how back then it was difficult for him to talk about these sorts of issues, but thankfully, his perspective has changed.
“There are so many people to speak to now over these issues,” he said. “There were people there for me to speak to but I chose not to do that and tried to deal with it myself.
“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 with that.
“It is a different type of struggle, a different type of pressure. One that I struggled at first to deal with.
“Thankfully now I am not afraid to go and speak to people over some issues which I may have.
“Of course, you will have them in your professional life and your personal life. It’s so important you speak out to people and take their help and guidance when needed.”
Judging by Rooney’s career, we aren’t surprised
Wayne Rooney was one of the most scrutinized and judged players in world football. The English media were constantly on his back and he played for the UK’s most hated club.
There was also so much pressure on his shoulders from such a young age to perform, whether that was for United or his country. It’s no surprise he used drink as a mechanism from time to time. He’s only human.
It’s nice to see him open up on issues like this. We’re glad Rooney is now fully on the right track.