"It always hit me"

Rooney admits freak-out: “I smashed everything”

Former England international Wayne Rooney has confessed to a freak-out on the sidelines of the 2016 European Football Championship in France. The former striker complains that he was singled out for doping control at every match. Finally, he blew his top. 

"The strange thing was that I was selected for the doping test at every game of the tournament. I was furious. They say it was a random process, but somehow I got it every time," Rooney told The Times, explaining the background to his outburst at Euro 2016.

After the final and dramatic group game against Wales (2:1), the Englishman's emotions boiled over. He literally smashed up the testing room, Rooney admits: "One of the Welsh players was in there with me, I think Aaron Ramsey. I thought 'fuck it' and threw the TV away. Everything. I smashed everything." 

This is what the punishment looked like
Of course, the outburst was not without consequences. "I got a bill for it. And another warning from UEFA," said the 38-year-old. England also suffered an embarrassing elimination in the round of 16 against Iceland. It was the last major tournament for the 120-time international. 

Rooney has since tried his hand at coaching. So far, however, he has never been able to build on his success as a player. His last job was at the then English second division club Birmingham City until January 2024. He has now been unveiled as head coach of Plymouth Argyle for the 2024/25 season. First, however, he will follow the European Championship as a pundit.