Wayne Rooney reveals previously unknown medical condition that affects his Match of the Day punditry

Wayne Rooney has revealed he is deaf in his left ear as he continues to make inroads as a pundit on Match of the Day.

The iconic Manchester United and England forward has begun to forge a career onscreen and on the airwaves with the BBC.

Getty

Rooney had been used when not in managerial roles since his playing days ended but now he’s becoming a regular with the broadcaster.

Not only does he appear on the historic highlights show, he also has his own podcast.

A two-year deal with the BBC, signed in the summer, has seen his role broaden.

The Wayne Rooney Show sees him joined by Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd to run through the biggest talking points, while also looking back on his own career.

And he’s doing so despite having hearing issues, which he laid bare in a behind the scenes clip.

The video saw a reporter talk to both onscreen and off-air talent to help educate fans into what goes on before the show airs.

And during the 10-minute clip, Rooney revealed how he’s had to adapt due to his condition as he was helped by show runner put an ear-piece in.

“Can I do it in this ear?’ he said, pointing to his stronger right ear. “I used to close the talkback.

“The problem is I’m deaf in my left ear.

“So when it’s too loud I struggle to hear what Kelly Cates or whoever is saying.”

BBC

It isn’t, though, known how Rooney came to have the problem.

Rooney’s managerial career has now been paused since his ill-fated spell with Plymouth that lasted 25 games in December 2024.

It followed tough spells with DC United and Birmingham City after his initial foray into coaching at Derby County.

“You want to do your best and you try to do your best and sometimes it’s not good enough,” Rooney told talkSPORT in October.

“You give what you can and if that doesn’t work then you get up and go again or find another path. It’s difficult.”

However, it appears he is fully buying into his spell with the BBC.

AFP

Asked if he was looking for another managerial role, Rooney said: “No, not really. I’m happy with what I’m doing. I’m still learning in the punditry world and trying to get better at that.

“I get to see my kids play more instead of the pressures of management.

“If the right one comes up, after what’s happened in my previous jobs I doubt it, I’m not stupid. I can be honest about that. I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

And speaking on the behind the scenes BBC video, he outlined why it’s such a joy.

He said: “It’s such a historic show and it’s been with me throughout my whole life so to be on it, from a regular point of view, is strange, especially when you sit down and hear the theme song.

“There’s a lot that goes into the show and a lot that people don’t see.

Getty

“You’re here all day, you’re watching the games and trying to give your input whether that’s from a tactical point of view or a mindset point of view for the players.

“You try and give the fans the best analysis and detail that you can.”