“I had different issues.”
Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has shed light on his relationship with alcohol and its influence on his early football career.
Despite making his Premier League debut at the remarkably young age of 16 for Everton, seamlessly adapting to the professional stage, Rooney acknowledges a parallel acceleration of his off-field experiences. He candidly admits that alcohol was already present in his life at the tender age of 14, consumed with friends during their early teenage years.
In a recent episode of the “Stick to Football” podcast, the former England international offered a candid reflection on his playing career, acknowledging that his alcohol consumption may have impacted his performance.
While discussing his upbringing and its influence on his life, he admitted, “You [Jamie Carragher] know where I grew up. It wasn’t an easy place to live, but I absolutely loved growing up there. It taught me so many different things…”
He then transitioned into discussing his relationship with alcohol, stating, “I drank too much during my playing days, and that probably did have an effect on my career.”
This admission provides valuable insight into the personal challenges faced by professional athletes, and it opens up a crucial conversation about mental health and well-being within the sporting community.
Troubled Youth: Wayne Rooney Reflects on Past Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
Former England Captain Wayne Rooney candidly recalled a challenging episode from his teenage years in a recent interview. Reflecting on his time playing for Everton’s Under-19s under manager Colin Harvey, Rooney acknowledged engaging in risky behavior, including underage drinking and vandalism.
“I remember being 14, crossing the road with a bag of cider and cigarettes,” Rooney stated. “A car stopped to let me cross, and it was my manager, Colin Harvey.” He later admitted using abandoned houses for underage drinking activities, acknowledging the potential consequences of such choices.
“Looking back, I had different issues and definitely drank too much, which affected me,” he remarked. “You always wonder what could have been if you made different choices, whether you could have achieved more or played for longer, but that’s hindsight.”
Rooney’s candid reflection highlights the potential pitfalls of young adulthood and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible decision-making. His story can resonate with many individuals who have faced similar challenges in their youth and encourage them to learn from their past mistakes.