Wayne Rooney 'threatens legal action' against Andy Carroll after claims in new book
A "livid" Wayne Rooney wants claims made in Andy Carroll's upcoming autobiography to be retracted as they are "completely untrue", according to a report that says he is threatening legal action.
Rooney and Carroll were England teammates between 2010 and 2012 and played a total of 64 minutes together over two matches against Ukraine and Italy respectively.
While on international duty, Carroll has claimed in his new book, Owning It, that Rooney would invite fellow players into his room for a beer and a cigarette.
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The book reads: “He’d be surrounded by cartons of fags, crates of lager and bottles of wine (which he got the hotel manager to deliver to his room), and soon his room would be full of players. No one got smashed, it was just Wazza’s way of breaking the monotony with a couple of drinks.”
Rooney has since played down those claims. “I don’t normally comment on falsehoods written about me - but I will address this one," said the former Manchester United striker in a statement made to The Sun.
“Andy knows that he and I never really socialised. I bumped into him once, coincidentally, while on a holiday - but that’s about it. As for this ‘tale’ about me drinking on England duty, it’s a fabrication."
Rooney added: "I don’t know where the story comes from. It’s disappointing.”
Carroll, meanwhile, is said to be 'beyond baffled' by Rooney's suggestion that the story is made up, with a source telling the above publication: “This is how Andy remembers the night and he won’t be bullied into changing his version simply because someone else now disputes it."
Wayne Rooney is 'threatening legal action' over claims made in Andy Carroll's autobiography
A new report from The Sun claims Rooney's lawyers have sent a letter to the publishers of Carroll’s autobiography over the above claims, which he reportedly wants retracted.
A source told the publication: “Wayne is livid. He’s not messing around. His legal team have sent a strongly worded letter to the publisher. He wants it retracted as it is completely untrue.
“Wayne knows he’s no angel but this crossed the line. It’s a matter of principle.”
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Carroll is said to be 'spiralling' over the situation, according to the source, who says the former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker 'didn’t think for a second' Rooney would respond in this way.
“Andy had a book to sell and now he’s in over his head," they added. “There may be a public apology coming unless he wants a legal battle on his hands.”
Topics: England, Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll
Jack Kenmare