Guest of new BBC podcast launched by Rob Burrow, ex-rugby league player suffering from Charcot’s disease, Wayne Rooney returned this Tuesday to the alcohol problems he suffered when he was a young player. Plunged into the deep professional depths at the age of 16 with Everton, became an English international the following year and transferred to Manchester United for a record fee the year after, the former captain of the England team was confronted with fame and very strong pressure at a very young age. A context that devoured him.
“When I was in my twenties, alcohol served as a release for me. I would go home, spend a few days at home and not go out. I was drinking almost until I passed out,” said the man who was recently appointed coach of second division Birmingham.
“Accept advice from others”
Overwhelmed by expectations, young Rooney often found himself alone, with no one to confide in. “I didn’t want to be among the others because sometimes you feel embarrassed. Sometimes you feel like you’ve let people down, and ultimately I didn’t know how to deal with the situation,” he says. Until finally, he decides to admit his problem and begins to come out of it.
“When you don’t accept help and advice from others, you can find yourself at rock bottom, and that’s what happened to me for a few years. Fortunately, today, I am no longer afraid to talk to people about my problems,” said the 38-year-old former striker, whose son Kai plays in the MU youth teams.