Wayne Rooney has revealed that he recently underwent plastic surgery to repair damage to his nose after breaking it twice during his professional football career.
The former England and Manchester United striker opened up about the procedure while recording the first episode of the United-focused podcast Stick to United with presenter Mark Goldbridge.
Rooney appeared to be recovering from the operation and explained that it had taken place just one week earlier.
The surgery has left him temporarily wearing two plastic tubes inside his nostrils, which have also affected the way he sounds when speaking.
Two Tubes Still in His Nose
Rooney explained that he was fortunate not to have developed black eyes following the procedure but admitted that the tubes had made his recovery uncomfortable.
He said the surgeons had made an incision beneath his nostrils and that the area had been stitched.
Rooney added that he was eager for the tubes to be removed once the healing process was sufficiently advanced.
The former striker joked about the unusual appearance and discomfort while speaking to Goldbridge, giving listeners an insight into the aftermath of an operation he had postponed for years.
First Injury Happened at Manchester United
Rooney traced the original problem back to a 2015 FA Cup match between Manchester United and Preston North End.
During United’s 3-1 victory at Deepdale, Rooney suffered his first broken nose.
The match also remains memorable for an incident in which the striker won a penalty after what he later described as a “bit of a dive.”
Despite the injury, Rooney continued playing and did not miss any matches.
He also recalled that his former Manchester United team-mate Marouane Fellaini suffered a broken nose during the same game but was forced to sit out the following matches.
Second Break Came in America
Three years later, Rooney suffered another serious nose injury after moving to Major League Soccer side DC United.
The incident happened during a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids in July 2018, only a few matches after Rooney had left Everton to continue his career in the United States.
Colorado player Niki Jackson was pushed by a team-mate and collided with Rooney, with the back of Jackson’s head striking the striker directly in the nose.
Rooney was left bloodied on the pitch and later developed a black eye as the injury healed.
Rooney Finally Decided to Have Surgery
Although doctors had recommended surgery after the second injury, Rooney admitted that he continued putting the procedure off.
He eventually decided to deal with the problem this summer after getting through the World Cup period and underwent the operation last week.
Rooney said the surgery went well but made clear that recovering with tubes inside his nose had been particularly unpleasant.
Repeated fractures can damage the nasal septum and cartilage and may contribute to breathing difficulties.
The tubes used following Rooney’s procedure are designed to help keep the nasal passages open while the affected area heals.
A Career Marked by Physical Battles
Rooney’s latest revelation highlights another physical reminder of a career that saw him compete at the highest level for Manchester United, England, Everton and DC United.
The former striker became one of England’s most recognisable footballers and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer before eventually moving into management.
His decision to finally address the longstanding damage to his nose means he can now complete the treatment that began with injuries suffered more than a decade apart.
