SAT in the BBC studio chatting about the World Cup, Wayne Rooney looked like half the man he was just a few months ago.
And as the coverage continues, whispers of fat jabs being behind his transformation are growing louder by the day. Here, insiders reveal what’s really going on with the former footballer – and the part played by his wife Coleen.
The Sun understands that the 40-year-old’s new look was masterminded by Coleen ahead of his big punditry gig.
Our insider explained: “Coleen knew Wayne wasn’t happy with the way he looked and how important this gig was for him, so she put him on a diet and exercise regime before he flew out to the US. He’s 40 now, so it felt like now or never.
“She has been encouraging him to work out with her in their home gym. They also have a PT who has been round to help him.
“Then there has been facials and various other treatments to make sure he’s looking his best and, of course, they went on a big shopping spree to make sure he looked super smart.”
It’s paid off – World Cup viewers have been very distracted by his appearance, with many questioning what his secret is.
One person asked: “Has Wayne Rooney been on the jabs lol .”
Another joked: “He’s on the jabs, he’s on the jabs, Wayne Rooney is shredding the fat!”
Someone else added: “Rooney suddenly looks like a 30 year old.”
It’s thought Wayne has in fact been following the macro diet, which involves tracking the intake of three essential macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
It’s certainly a stark contrast from the old Wayne, who famously had a McDonald’s before his Premier League debut for Everton and even took Ronaldo for a drive-thru when he arrived in Manchester.
He was also known for his love of his favourite Chinese – Wings in Manchester – which he has visited for decades.
During his stint managing Plymouth Argyle we’re told he loved a local pasty.
In 2013, Coleen – who was just 19 and new to Wag life – raised eyebrows when she insisted he had a healthy diet.
“They all think Wayne’s a big fat person and eats burgers every day, which he’s not, and I don’t know where they get it from,” she said.
“It does my head in because people really believe that. His favourite food is lettuce. He loves salad.”
It’s not just food that has changed for Wayne now though, he has cut down on booze.
Wayne has been very open about his struggles with alcohol in the past – at times drinking for two days straight.
He has said: “I’ve had many challenges, both on and off the pitch, and my escape was alcohol.”
He credits Coleen, his wife of 18 years, for saving him thanks to supporting him throughout it all.
“I honestly believe if she weren’t there I’d be dead,” he told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “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 and she’s done it for 20-odd years.
“I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and have a night out. It got to a point where I went too far – that was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively with alcohol. I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. I didn’t really want to because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone.
“I just drank for two days straight. Come training and at the weekend I’d score two goals and then I’d go back and go and drink for two days straight again. She’s helped me control that massively. She’s managed me because I needed managing.”
Coleen has definitely put a shift in over the years with Wayne – aside from the troubling infidelity rumours, public booze battle and tumultuous career on the pitch, but we’re told the couple have actually never been happier.
Ever since I’m A Celebrity, Coleen has become the main breadwinner and the family have landed a 10-part Disney show – and it’s had a huge positive impact on Wayne.
Our insider added: “Coleen can’t get enough of the new Wayne. She’s really proud of him and it’s reignited a flame. She fancies him more than ever.”