Wayne Rooney says his wife saved him from alcohol addiction during his football career.

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has revealed he battled severe alcohol issues during his playing career, admitting he likely would have died without his wife Coleen’s support. The 39-year-old, United’s all-time leading scorer, said he often drank for two days straight, hiding his condition at training with eye drops, gum, and aftershave. He shared on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that fear of burdening others kept him from seeking help, but Coleen’s consistent guidance and presence were essential to his survival and recovery over more than two decades.