Wayne Rooney has revealed that he recently underwent plastic surgery to repair long-term damage to his nose after breaking it twice during his professional football career.

The former England and Manchester United star discussed the procedure while recording the first episode of the United-focused podcast Stick to United, where he appeared alongside presenter Mark Goldbridge. Rooney looked slightly uncomfortable during the recording and explained that he was only about a week into his recovery from the operation.

Despite the seriousness of the procedure, Rooney appeared in relatively good spirits. He pointed out that he had avoided developing two black eyes but was still dealing with plastic tubes placed inside his nose as part of the recovery process.

The tubes had also affected his voice, making it sound different during the podcast. Rooney admitted that he was eager to have them removed and described the experience as particularly unpleasant.

Explaining what the surgeons had done, Rooney indicated the area beneath his nostrils and said that the operation had involved making an incision there. The area had subsequently been stitched, leaving him with some discomfort while he recovered.

Rooney explained that the first time he fractured his nose happened during his Manchester United career in 2015. The injury occurred during an FA Cup match against Preston North End at Deepdale.

Interestingly, the game remains memorable to Rooney for more than just the injury. During the match, he was involved in an incident that resulted in him winning a penalty, although he jokingly acknowledged that there had been an element of exaggeration in the way he went down.

Despite suffering a broken nose, Rooney did not allow the injury to keep him out of action. He continued playing and did not miss any matches as a result.

The second fracture occurred several years later after Rooney had moved to the United States to continue his career with DC United. The injury happened during a 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

That match had particular significance for Rooney because he scored his first goal for DC United. It came just three games after he had left Everton and moved to the United States.

However, the memorable night came at a physical cost. Rooney was involved in a collision after Colorado player Niki Jackson was pushed by a teammate and collided with the former England captain.

Jackson’s head struck Rooney directly in the nose, leaving the striker with a significant injury. Rooney was visibly bloodied on the field and subsequently developed a black eye as the injury healed.

Although surgery was recommended after the second fracture, Rooney decided not to undergo the procedure at the time. He explained that he simply postponed the operation and continued with his football career.

Years later, he finally decided that the problem needed to be addressed. Rooney said that he had planned to wait until the World Cup-related commitments were finished before undergoing surgery, eventually having the procedure carried out during the summer.

The operation reportedly went well, but the recovery process has been uncomfortable. Rooney particularly disliked the plastic tubes that were placed inside his nose and admitted that he could not wait for them to be taken out.

Repeated fractures to the nose can cause lasting damage to the nasal septum and surrounding cartilage. Such injuries can potentially affect a person’s ability to breathe normally, particularly if the septum becomes significantly displaced or damaged.

The tubes used during Rooney’s recovery are designed to help keep the nasal passages open while the tissues heal. Their presence can also temporarily affect breathing, speech and general comfort, explaining Rooney’s altered voice during the podcast recording.

Rooney also recalled that he was not the only Manchester United player to suffer a broken nose during the FA Cup match against Preston. His former teammate Marouane Fellaini also sustained a similar injury during the same 3-1 victory.

However, there was a significant difference in how the two players responded. Fellaini missed the following matches while recovering, whereas Rooney managed to continue playing without taking time away from the team.

The revelation offers another reminder of the physical demands Rooney endured throughout his playing career. Known for his aggressive style, fearless approach and willingness to challenge defenders, he regularly put his body on the line during matches.

During his career, Rooney became one of England’s most successful footballers and one of Manchester United’s most important players of the modern era. His career included numerous domestic trophies, European success and major international tournaments with England.

The facial injuries he suffered were just some of the physical consequences of a career that began at a remarkably young age. Rooney made his professional debut as a teenager at Everton before moving to Manchester United, where he eventually became the club’s record goalscorer at the time.

His move to DC United represented a different chapter in his career, but even in Major League Soccer he continued to play with the intensity that had characterized his time in England.

The second nose injury, therefore, became another example of Rooney’s willingness to continue competing despite significant physical problems. Although surgery could potentially have addressed the damage sooner, he chose to delay the procedure until he was ready to deal with the issue.

Now retired from professional football, Rooney has finally taken the opportunity to repair the damage that had remained untreated for years.

His comments on the podcast also demonstrate how former footballers can continue to experience the physical consequences of their playing careers long after they leave the pitch. Injuries that were manageable during a player’s active years can sometimes create problems later in life, particularly when they were never fully treated.

For Rooney, the recent operation appears to have been successful, although the early stages of recovery have been far from comfortable. With the temporary tubes expected to be removed soon, he can now look forward to recovering fully from an injury that began almost a decade ago.

From breaking his nose against Preston in 2015 to suffering another serious fracture during his time in America, Rooney has spent years carrying the consequences of those injuries. His decision to finally undergo surgery means that a problem he once repeatedly put off has now been addressed.

The former England star may have retired from football, but his latest experience serves as a reminder that some of the physical battles faced during his playing days can continue long after the final whistle.