Wayne Rooney is reportedly threatening legal action against his former England teammate Andy Carroll.
It’s understood that Rooney been left ‘livid’ by claims Carroll has made about him in his new book, Owning It.
Rooney and Carroll crossed paths at international level in the early 2010s, playing a total of 64 minutes together over two matches.
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Per The Sun, Carroll alleges that Rooney would invite fellow players into his room for a beer and a cigarette while they were on England duty around 2010 and 2011.
The former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker reportedly wrote: “He’d be surrounded by cartons of fags, crates of lager and bottles of wine (which he got the hotel manager to deliver to his room), and soon his room would be full of players.
“No one got smashed, it was just Wazza’s way of breaking the monotony with a couple of drinks.”
England’s Wayne Rooney (R) is substituted for Andy Carroll (2nd R)
Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic
In a statement released via The Sun earlier this month, Rooney responded: “I don’t normally comment on falsehoods written about me – but I will address this one.
“Andy knows that he and I never really socialised. I bumped into him once, coincidentally, while on a holiday – but that’s about it.
“As for this ‘tale’ about me drinking on England duty, it’s a fabrication. I don’t know where the story comes from. It’s disappointing.”
Action Images / Lee Smith Livepic
In a fresh update, it’s claimed Carroll faces a costly court battle unless he retracts the story.
An insider told The Sun: “Wayne is livid. He’s not messing around.
“His legal team have sent a strongly worded letter to the publisher. He wants it retracted as it is completely untrue.
“Wayne knows he’s no angel but this crossed the line. It’s a matter of principle.”
The source added: “Andy is spiralling over the whole situation. He didn’t think for a second Rooney would kick off like this.
“Andy had a book to sell and now he’s in over his head.
“There may be a public apology coming unless he wants a legal battle on his hands.”