Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney says he'd be 'dead' without wife Coleen during his darkest moments

The childhood sweethearts have been married since 2008 but they have endured some bumpy times since then. But the former Everton forward is under no illusions about how important the 39-year-old is to him and their family. 

He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: "Coleen is massive. It's bad because we're two kids from Croxteth. We grew up together, obviously we started dating and got married, had kids. From when I was 17, she knew I was a bit out there. Loved my football, was obsessed with football but also loved a night out. She'd seen it very early on, and she controlled that, helped me control that massively. At times, she'd say, 'What are you doing?' How she's managed me, it was like I needed a manager. I honestly believe if she weren't there, I'd be dead. I believe that. What she's done... it's annoying at times. I'm like, 'What are you doing?' But everything she's doing is to keep me on this world and the best person. I've made mistakes in the past, which are well documented. I'm a little bit different at times, and she keeps me on that path. She's done that for 20-odd years."

Although Rooney had a tremendous career for both club and country, he believes that his fondness for liquor held him back a bit.

He added: "I wanted to live my life as well. I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends. It got to a point where I went too far. That was a moment in my life where I was struggling (with alcohol), massively. I didn't think I could turn to anyone. I didn't really want to because I didn't want to put that burden on anyone. I remember going into training and putting eye drops in, chewing gum. I just drank for two days straight, then came to training. On the weekend, I'd score a few goals, then I'd go back and drink for two days straight again."

After being sacked by Plymouth Argyle late last year, Rooney has started his own podcast and has fully immersed himself in punditry duties. But the ex-Derby County boss has not ruled out returning to management one day.