Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney on Tuesday opened up about his alcohol addiction during the early days of his career.
Rooney, who announced himself to the football world at the age of 16 while playing for English club Everton, described his addiction to alcohol as a "release" and admitted that he would drink until he would pass out.
"My release was alcohol when I was in my early 20s. I'd go home, and spend a couple of days at home and not leave the house. I'd drink almost until I'd pass out," Rooney said while talking on the podcast of ex-rugby league star and Motor Neurone Disease campaigner Rob Burro
"I didn't want to be around people, because sometimes you feel embarrassed. Sometimes you feel like you've let people down and ultimately I didn't know how else to deal with it," he added.
He also opened up on what it is like to be addicted and how low a person gets as he refuses to take help from others.
"When you don't take the help and guidance of others, you can be really in a low place, and I was for a few years with that. Thankfully, now I'm not afraid to go and speak to people about issues."
"I know first-hand the impact this (illness) can have on yourself and people around you," he said.
"Everyone must change the way of living and I had that with my sister-in-law, who suffered not the same illness but something as severe.
"But your energy and positivity helps everyone else around you. I can see the money you have raised for charity and to help others - it's really inspiring."
Rooney is currently managing Birmingham City after his tenure with D.C. United ended this year.
It must be noted that Rooney spent 13 legendary years with Manchester United where he represented the Red Devils in 393 games and scored 183 goals.