Wayne Rooney, former England captain and Manchester United star, shared his unconventional methods for shedding excess weight during pre-seasons, revealing he often returned six to seven pounds overweight after summer breaks. In a humorous recount, he admitted to using a stationary bike in the steam room prior to weigh-ins and would go without food or water for up to 90 minutes while fully clothed, all in an effort to make weight. Rooney, now the manager of Plymouth Argyle, recalled that he disliked pre-seasons, often dropping out of fitness tests early to avoid higher scores. Despite his struggles, he managed a remarkable 16 seasons in the Premier League without ever playing fewer than 25 matches in a season. He criticized the current trend of athletes training on holiday, dismissing it as merely for public relations. Rooney's candid reflections highlight the pressures athletes face regarding fitness and weight management.