Wayne Rooney Was Concerned That Drinking Could Have Resulted In His Death

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he was concerned about mortality during his darkest days.

When Wayne Rooney's drinking issues were at their worst, he says he thought he would have died or killed someone.

Before the publication of a new documentary about his life, the Derby County manager and Manchester United and England record striker spoke to BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent.

When asked what his greatest fear was in those moments, he said, "Probably death."

"That could have been females, it could have been drink-driving, which I've done, it could have been killing someone - you could kill yourself - and that's an awful place to be," the 36-year-old said of his "mistakes."

"I knew I needed aid, not only to rescue myself but also to save my family," says the narrator.

Rooney also admitted that as a player, he felt compelled to keep many of his troubles hidden.

"I couldn't go into a dressing room ten, fifteen years ago and say, 'I'm battling with alcohol, I'm fighting with mental health.' That's something I couldn't do."

In one episode, Rooney reveals that as a teenager, he "wasn't the nicest kid." He openly admits to being involved in a great deal of violence.

"We used to go up to Southport and fight a lot," he recalls, adding, "I've returned with my eye all stitched up." I was about 12 years old at the time."

Rooney also recalls attending to concerts as a young adolescent and getting into trouble as a result.

"In Manchester, I recall having my jaw snapped. I was about 13 years old at the time."

Rooney recounts an uncomfortable occurrence while in Everton's youth in one episode.