'I was wise for my age but I had to grow up fast

Coleen Rooney on her long-distance relationship with husband Wayne, the pressures of bringing up her boys in the public eye, and her new business venture

- SHELLEY SPADONI

Coleen Rooney is a woman who takes everything in her stride. Married to former Everton, Manchester United and England legend Wayne, mum to four energetic boys and a canny businesswoman, life is certainly busy. And to top it off, she’s single-handedly running the household while Wayne is away managing Championship team Plymouth Argyle.

Sitting down with OK! magazine, in a rare interview, she lifts the lid on their long-distance relationship and how they keep their 22-year romance alive.

“We get to see Wayne a couple of times a week, which is good,” tells Coleen, 38. “He went to America, so this is a bonus – even though it seems like far away, it’s easier to get to than Washington DC.

“There’s lots of FaceTime and he always phones when we’re going out of the door in the morning. I’m like, ‘Just wait till we’re in the car. I’ve got no time.’”

The family are currently spending lots of time apart due to Wayne’s job – with Wayne, 38, on the south coast and Coleen and the kids at their Cheshire home.

Coleen reveals that she considered a move to be nearer to him, but ruled it out because of the kids.

“We thought long and hard about it [moving to Devon], but with the kids it didn’t work. Kai’s now in year 10, just starting GCSE prep, and things are going well with football. The other boys are all settled at school, so it didn’t seem fair on them to pick them up, take them away and start in a whole new place.

“It’s manageable. It’s life. Other couples and families have similar situations and have to get on with it.

“Being a mum of four is just hectic. The key thing is I’m really organised. Preparation is key and just to make sure everything’s done beforehand. I think that is my main strength.”