Wayne Rooney insists 'nothing happened' with Vancouver women after newspaper photos

Wayne Rooney insists 'nothing happened' with Vancouver women after newspaper photos

The married footballer issues a strongly-worded statement after pictures emerge of his night out in the Canadian city.

By David Mercer, news reporter,
DC United midfielder and former England captain Wayne Rooney speaks during a press conference at Pride Park Stadium in Derby on August 6, 2019 after Rooney agreed a deal to become a player-coach. - Former England captain Wayne Rooney is to leave Washington-based DC United after agreeing a deal to become player-coach of English Championship side Derby County. The 33-year-old -- the record goalscorer for both his country and Manchester United -- signed an 18-month contract with the second-tier side, who under Rooney's former England teammate Frank Lampard reached the play-off final last season. (Photo by Darren STAPLES / AFP) (Photo credit should read DARREN STAPLES/AFP/Getty Images)
Image: Wayne Rooney described a report about his night out as a 'smear'
Wayne Rooney has insisted "nothing happened" between him and "any girl" during a night out in Canada after newspaper photos showed him with a woman in a hotel lobby.
The married footballer, who is currently playing in the US for Washington side DC United, issued a strongly-worded statement on his Twitter page after it was reported he got into a lift with the woman after partying with his teammates in Vancouver.
The images, published in the Sun newspaper, were also said to show another woman with her arm draped over Rooney's shoulder in a nightclub.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Image: Rooney currently plays for DC United in Washington
In his social media post, Rooney wrote: "Nothing happened between me and any girl on that night in Vancouver. I did not enter the lift alone with the girl pictured in the hotel foyer.
"The girl pictured in the club was simply one of many who innocently asked for autographs and pictures."
He added: "This whole story was a smear against me. It is damaging to my family and not something I am prepared to put up with."
The former England and Manchester United star has been married to wife Coleen since 2008 and the couple - who have been an item since they were teenagers - have four sons together.
She has not commented publicly on the newspaper photos.
Rooney has previously apologised for letting his family down "very badly" after pleading guilty to drink-driving in 2017 while Coleen was pregnant and on holiday.
Coleen Rooney with son Kit after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Image: Coleen Rooney, pictured with son Kit in 2017
He was nearly three times over the limit when he was pulled over by police in Wilmslow, Cheshire in a car that belonged to lettings agent Laura Simpson.
Coleen was away with the couple's children when he was arrested.
Rooney, 33, was also arrested earlier this year on public intoxication and swearing charges in the US.
At the time, his spokesman said the footballer had been left "disorientated" by prescribed sleeping tablets he took on a flight while drinking.
Wayne Rooney's custody picture. Pic: Loudoun County Sherrif’s Office
Image: Rooney was arrested in the US in January. Pic: Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Rooney is set to return to English football after the MLS season finishes as a player-coach at Derby County, where he is due to start in January.
He has been in Washington since a second spell at boyhood club Everton came to an end last summer.