The Manchester United legend's shocking confession about his battle with alcoholism

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has made a candid confession about his battle with alcoholism, revealing the dark side of his career.

In a recent interview, Rooney opened up about the challenges he faced during his playing days, admitting that he turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the pressures of fame and fortune. The former England captain revealed that at times, his drinking reached excessive levels, leading to a number of off-field incidents.

"I've had many different challenges both on and off the field and my release was alcohol," Rooney said. "When I was 20, I would spend a couple of days at home without going out. I would drink until I almost passed out."

Rooney's struggles with alcohol came at a time when he was at the peak of his powers. The striker was a key figure in Manchester United's success under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning numerous trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League. However, behind the scenes, he was battling a personal demons.

"I didn't want to be around people because sometimes I felt embarrassed and other times I thought I was letting them down. In the end, I didn't know how else to deal with it, so I turned to alcohol to try and solve my problems," Rooney admitted.

The former England captain has since sought help for his alcohol addiction and is now sober. He has also been open about his experiences in the hope of helping others who are struggling with similar issues.

A Tarnished Legacy

While Rooney's achievements on the pitch are undeniable, his off-field struggles have tarnished his reputation somewhat. His arrest for drink-driving in 2017 and his involvement in a number of other alcohol-related incidents have raised questions about his judgment.

However, Rooney's openness about his struggles has been praised by many, and he is seen as a role model for those who are battling addiction.

The Manchester United Legend

Despite his personal struggles, Rooney remains one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history. The striker scored 253 goals for the club, making him their all-time leading scorer. He also won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, and a host of other trophies during his time at Old Trafford.

Rooney's impact on the club went far beyond his goalscoring record. He was a fearless leader on the pitch and a popular figure among the fans. His ability to inspire his teammates and lift the crowd made him a true legend of the game.