Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been given a two-year driving ban and a 12-month community order after admitting a charge of drink-driving.
The former England captain pleaded guilty at Stockport Magistrates court on Monday.
Rooney, who reportedly expects to be fined two weeks’ wages by his club, must complete 100 hours of unpaid work as part of his community order.
The driving ban will be reduced by 24 weeks if he undergoes a specialist driving course by February 2, 2019.
The 31-year-old was arrested in the early hours of September 1 after being pulled over by police seven and a half miles from his home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
The former Manchester United and England captain was found to be over the prescribed limit and was released on bail after being charged.
In a statement released following his sentencing, Rooney said: “Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong.
“I have already said sorry to my family, my manager and chairman and everyone at Everton FC. Now I want to apologise to all the fans and everyone else who has followed and supported me throughout my career.
“Of course I accept the sentence of the court and hope that I can make some amends through my community service.”
Rooney arrived at court just a day after facing old club United in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
He did not offer a comment to the assembled media as he made his way inside, alongside agent Paul Stretford.
Jose Mourinho’s side won 4-0 on Sunday in Rooney’s first match against United since he returned to Everton in July.
He enjoyed a hugely successful 13 years with the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League among a host of other honours, and scored a record 253 goals in all competitions.
Source : Goal
