Overview

• Rooney made the remarks on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast released on Sept. 24, explaining he was “struggling massively” with alcohol during his playing career.
• He said he would sometimes drink for two days, then report for training using eye drops, chewing gum and aftershave to mask it.
• Asked who helped him through that period, Rooney said Coleen had effectively “managed” him since their teens and that without her he believes he would be dead.
• Coverage noted that Rooney’s long-running off-field issues were closely tied to his drinking, which he now frames as a battle he tried to hide rather than address.
• Previous interviews have referenced efforts to seek help, including Rooney’s 2022 disclosure that he worked with therapists to curb binge drinking.