'Men should copy Wayne Rooney - thanking Coleen was most powerful move he's made'

Wayne and Coleen Rooney have endured an infamously bumpy marriage that has often been overshadowed by cheating claims and his party-boy antics.

But in an unprecedented move, the 39-year-old football manager has laid bare the depths of his gratitude for Coleen's unfailing support, telling how she has fought for years to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Crediting his wife with his wellness and success while opening up about his battle with alcohol dependency on the ' Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast', he admitted that if it hadn't been for Coleen, he could have died.

"Coleen is massive. It's bad because we're two kids from Croxteth, and then we grew up together and obviously we started dating and got married and have kids. But when I was 17 she could see, she knew my mind and she knew I was a bit out there," he said.

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"You know, I loved my football. I was obsessed with football, but also I loved a night out or whatever going out. She's seen it very early on, and she's controlled that. Well, not controlled, but helped me control that massively.

"And at times you're like, 'what are you doing? Why do you keep saying don't do this or don't do that? I honestly believe if she wasn't there I'd be dead. I believe that.

"I've made mistakes in the past, which are well documented and whatever, but I'm a little bit different at times and she keeps me on that path. She's done it for 20-odd years."

His honesty won applauds from fans, many of whom found his tribute to Coleen refreshing and removed from the toxic masculinity that can pervade football.

Gemma Logan, wedding and relationship expert at The Foxy Hen (www.thefoxyhen.com), says his words mark a vital turning point in the dynamic of famous couples, where the woman is often little more than a name check during awards season.

"For many people, especially men, it can feel unusual or even uncomfortable to openly thank their partner for the part they play in their lives. But what Wayne has done here is both refreshing and important because it shines a light on the reality that no one achieves success in isolation," Gemma told the Mirror.

"Behind many thriving individuals, you will often find a supportive partner who offers balance, perspective and grounding. In Wayne’s case, Coleen has clearly been that stabilising force for over two decades. Relationships are not just about companionship; they are also about accountability and growth.

"A good partner will challenge you when you are veering off course, encourage you when you are doubting yourself and remind you of what really matters when external pressures feel overwhelming. Wayne himself admitted that Coleen helped him to control impulses that could have led him down a very different path. That’s not about control in a negative sense, it’s about care, foresight and love expressed through honesty."

She added: "Wayne spoke of Coleen keeping him on a certain path for twenty years. That’s a long-term investment of love, patience and resilience, and it deserves recognition."

When asked if more men should thank their partners, Gemma asserted: "Absolutely, and not just in private but in public too. Many women (and men) provide enormous emotional labour in relationships, but this work is often invisible. A simple thank you can validate the effort and remind both people that the partnership is a team effort.

"When a man openly credits his partner, it also challenges outdated notions of masculinity that suggest vulnerability or gratitude is a weakness. In fact, it shows maturity and confidence. Gratitude deepens intimacy, builds trust and strengthens the bond. Think about it: how often do we hear men in the public eye thanking their wives or girlfriends beyond the standard award ceremony nod? Wayne’s words stand out because they feel heartfelt and real."

Looking closer at his touching remarks, the expert added: "Wayne Rooney’s comments about Coleen are more than just a sweet thank you. They highlight the reality that strong partnerships require effort, recognition and humility. More men could take a leaf out of Wayne’s book by openly thanking their partners and acknowledging the role they play in their lives.

"Gratitude is not only good for the relationship, it also reminds the individual to stay grounded and connected to what matters most. Whether you are a footballer, an office worker, or anyone in between, remembering to say thank you to your partner might just be the most powerful move you ever make."