Wayne Rooney booze bombshell as Man Utd icon says ‘I’d be dead if not for Coleen’
The Manchester United and England legend has been speaking about his relationship with alcohol, how he hid his drinking from Sir Alex Ferguson and how he believes he has wife Coleen to thank for still being alive
Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen arriving at the BBC’s 2025-26 football season launch(Image: PA)
Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney has shockingly revealed he believes alcohol could have killed him – if it wasn’t for wife Coleen.
In a frank discussion about his boozing with former team-mate Rio Ferdinand, United’s record goalscorer, regarded as one of the best players of his generation, details his constant battle with the booze.
And speaking to Ferdinand on the ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast’, he admits hiding his drinking from Sir Alex Ferguson during his Old Trafford career, with moves including putting eye drops in and chewing gum before heading out to training.
Rooney said: “I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and having a night out.
“It got to a point where I went too far, of course it did. That was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively. With alcohol. Massively struggling and I didn’t think I could turn to anyone.
Wayne Rooney opened up on the podcast
“I didn’t really want to, because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone. I remember going into training and putting eyes drops in, chewing gum.
“I just drank for two days straight. Go training and at the weekend, I’d scored two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again.”
United’s record scorer also opened up on how crucial Coleen has been, declaring: “Coleen is massive.
Wayne Rooney has opened up on his battles with alcohol(Image: Getty Images)
“It’s bad because we’re two kids from Croxteth, and then we grew up together and obviously we started dating and got married and have kids.
“But when I was 17 she could see, she knew my mind and she knew I was a bit out there.
“You know, I loved my football. I was obsessed with football, but also I loved a night out or whatever going out.
Wayne Rooney believes he would be gone with Coleen
“She’s seen it very early on, and she’s controlled that. Well, not controlled, but helped me control that massively.
“And at times you’re like, ‘what are you doing? Why do you keep saying don’t do this or don’t do that?
“I honestly believe if she wasn’t there I’d be dead. I believe that.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past, which are well documented and whatever, but I’m a little bit different at times and she keeps me on that path.
“She’s done it for 20-odd years.”
