In a chat with rugby league legend Rob Burrow on a new BBC podcast, Wayne Rooney confessed that he turned to drinking heavily as a way to cope with the pressures of his professional and personal life. At times, he drank until he "almost passed out."
"I’ve had many different challenges, both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my release was alcohol,” said Rooney, when asked for an example of adversity.
"When I was in my early 20s… I’d spend a couple of days at home and wouldn’t move out of the house and drink really almost until you pass out."
"I didn’t want to be around people because sometimes you feel embarrassed. I didn’t know how else to deal with it, so I chose alcohol to try and help me get through that."
"When you do that and don’t take the help and guidance of others, you can really be in a low place and I was for a few years. Thankfully now I am not afraid to go and speak to people over some issues which I may have. It’s so important that you speak out to people."
Former footballer admired the strength of Rob Burrow and his partner Lindsey who fight together Rob's motor neurone disease. Rooney also shared the heartbreak of losing his sister-in-law, Rosie, who battled Rett syndrome, a devastating disease, and passed away at just 14 years old.
Rooney said: "It’s so inspiring seeing how positive you are - I know first-hand the impact this can have on yourself and for the people closest to you. Everyone has to change the way of living and I had that with my sister-in-law who suffered not the same illness, but something as severe."
"Your energy and you staying strong really helps everyone around you. Of course I will always be here, and your family and close friends will always be there, to help you with whatever you need."
