Wayne Rooney has addressed speculation surrounding his dramatic physical transformation, dismissing suggestions that weight-loss injections played any part in his slimmed-down appearance.
The 40-year-old former Manchester United and England striker appeared on This Morning alongside his wife, Coleen, to set the record straight about how he achieved his new look.
Mr Rooney rejected claims that he had been using weight-loss medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, instead attributing his new look to giving up alcohol, improving his diet and exercising regularly.
The retired footballer’s appearance had already turned heads during his recent stint as a BBC World Cup pundit.
Speaking to This Morning presenters, the former Premier League footballer said: “I feel great.”
He continued: “I have not drunk for a while. I just wanted to feel a bit healthier and be healthier.”
He pointed to significant improvements in his nutrition and fitness routine, adding: “Obviously, my eating habits and training are a lot better.”
Mr Rooney then addressed the weight-loss injection rumours directly.
“Everyone is saying I am on this pen thing, but I am not, I just wanted to put that out there,” he stated.
“I actually am working hard to try and look better and be healthier.”
Mr Rooney admitted that after hanging up his boots, he had slipped into unhealthy habits.
“When I stopped playing, I got into a bit of a rut and was probably drinking a bit too much,” he explained.
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“Or I was not getting into a routine with training.”
The father of four said his children ultimately inspired him to make the change.
“Then I just thought ‘You know what? I want to enjoy my time with my kids whilst they’re at this age,'” he said.
“I have been more present and more there.”
Sources say Ms Rooney, also 40, has been instrumental in helping Mr Rooney overhaul his lifestyle.
Fans first noticed the striking change when he appeared on screen during the World Cup, looking tanned and sharply dressed in his role as a BBC pundit.
Earlier this summer, the sportsman also disclosed that he had undergone surgery on his nose, having broken it twice over the course of his playing career.
Away from his health kick, Mr Rooney revealed he has taken up collecting guitars, although he admitted he lacks the patience to learn how to play.
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