Wayne Rooney Admits To Heavy Drinking to Cope with Mental Health Struggles During Early Career

Former England Captain Discusses Coping Mechanisms and Personal Losses in Candid Podcast Conversation with Rugby Legend Rob Burrow

Former England captain Wayne Rooney confessed to excessive drinking as a coping mechanism for personal and professional struggles during his early career, often drinking until he 'almost passed out'.
Rooney cited embarrassment as a reason for isolation and said he felt he had let people down, which led to his alcohol usage at home where he would drink for days and not leave his house.
Rooney also discussed the impact of familial loss, referencing his sister-in-law Rosie's death from Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder, when she was just 14.
Rooney described former Rugby League legend and fellow podcast guest, Rob Burrow's positivity despite his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis as inspirational, stating that Burrow's resilient approach to the disease impacts both himself and people around them.
As the first guest on Burrow's podcast, Rooney praised the potential for more representation of women in football, highlighting his experience with a female referee during his time in the MLS and recent advancements like Emma Hayes' association with big managerial roles.