Image: APA
“In my early twenties I would sometimes stay at home for several days without leaving the house and drink almost until I dropped,” the 38-year-old said on BBC’s The Total Sport podcast. Alcohol was an “vent” for him.
“There were people I could have talked to, but I chose not to,” Rooney said. “I didn’t want anyone around me because sometimes you feel embarrassed and sometimes you feel like you’ve let people down,” said Manchester United’s record goalscorer, who now works as Birmingham City coach. “Ultimately, I didn’t know how to deal with it, so I turned to alcohol, hoping it would help me get through it.”
He now has no more inhibitions about talking about his personal problems and challenges. “Fortunately, I’m no longer afraid to approach people and tell them what might be bothering me.”
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I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.