Rooney speaks of gambling losses

WAYNE ROONEY has spoken publicly for the first time about his massive gambling losses.

The Manchester United and England striker tells in his autobiography how he began gambling to ease the boredom after training sessions with his first club, Everton.

He says he would stake up to £1,000 on racehorses, greyhounds or football, but stopped when his fiancée Coleen discovered he had lost around £50,000 over a year.

Rooney started to bet again last September when he was introduced by an England team-mate to the confidential betting firm, Goldchip.

The player says he cannot remember who gave him Goldchip’s details, but says it was not Michael Owen.

He does not reveal how much he lost, although it was reported to be £700,000.