Wayne Rooney has revealed the truth about his weight during his playing career, admitting he often returned from holidays heavier than expected. The former Manchester United striker confessed that after a week off, he could put on up to seven pounds, partly due to enjoying a few drinks. Rooney described himself as 'stocky' compared to teammates like Ryan Giggs, but insisted he could shed the weight quickly once pre-season training began.
Rooney explained that the club provided optional training programmes for players during the close season, and he would hit the hotel gym three times a week to stay sharp. However, he acknowledged that returning to training after a break was physically tough, especially for a striker who must be constantly fit and sharp. He noted that a full-back might hide, but a centre-forward for Manchester United has nowhere to hide.
The England legend also discussed his diet, saying players knew what to eat but allowed themselves luxuries like take-aways during the season. He revealed that the club always had nutritionists available for advice. Rooney reflected on the physical toll of his career, describing how he struggled to walk for half an hour after games due to aches and pains from constant battering by defenders.
Rooney admitted to a fear of career-ending injuries, saying he wanted to decide when to leave football, not a physio or an opponent's boot. Despite this, he insisted he never froze on the pitch and always expressed himself without worrying. The extracts come from his book 'My Decade in the Premier League', published by HarperSport.
