Wayne Rooney has opened up about the role his wife Coleen played in helping him overcome serious struggles with alcohol during his playing days, describing her support as life-saving.
The former Manchester United striker, 39, who retired as the top goalscorer in the history of both United and England – though Harry Kane has since surpassed his international tally – has since moved into management with stints at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle.
Despite a glittering career that included winning the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008 and securing five Premier League titles at Old Trafford, Rooney admits he “went too far” with drinking. He credits Coleen, his wife since 2008, with keeping him alive.
“I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and having a night out,” Rooney told former United teammate Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“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.
Do not compare this animal to the likes of Kane, Shearer & them mans pls…
Most Complete CF in Premier League History 👊🏽
Rio Meets Rooney Dropping at 4pm pic.twitter.com/t4ifWK3a17
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 24, 2025
“I didn’t really want to because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone.”
During his career, Rooney faced disciplinary issues linked to alcohol. He was dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson in December 2011 for breaking a curfew and spending the night in a cocktail bar in Southport.
He also publicly apologised to England manager Gareth Southgate in November 2016 after “inappropriate” images of him at a wedding party during an international break were published.
Rooney described occasions where he reported for training after drinking for “two days straight.”
“I remember going into training and putting eye drops in, chewing gum,” he said.
“I just drank for two days straight, come [into] 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.”
When asked who helped him overcome these difficulties, Rooney was unequivocal about Coleen’s influence.
“Coleen is massive,” he said.
“It’s bad because we’re two kids from Croxteth [Liverpool] and then we grew up together and obviously we started dating and we 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, obsessed with football but also I loved a night out or whatever going out.
“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?’ How she’s managed me because I needed managing.
“I honestly believe if she [Coleen] weren’t there I’d be dead.
“I believe that. And what she’s done, how she … And it’s annoying at times and I’m like, what are you doing? And you get annoyed and everything she’s doing is to keep me here and keep me … the best person.
“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 and she’s done it for 20-odd years.”
