Former England footballer Wayne Rooney has pleaded guilty to drink-driving, admitting he made a “terrible mistake” and let down his family and fans.

The Everton striker, 31, wearing his wedding ring when he arrived at Stockport Magistrates’ Court to face the charge that has put his marriage in crisis.

Rooney says he ‘has already said sorry’ to his family
(Image: AFP)

He was wearing a dark suit and had his hands in his pockets as he was flanked by about a dozen police officers and two security guards surrounding him.

The Manchester United Legend, Rooney was arrested at the wheel of party girl Laura Simpson’s Volkswagen Beetle convertible in the early hours of September 1.

He met Simpson, 29, in a bar on a night out with friends and left driving her car.

Wife Coleen, 31, who is expecting their fourth child, was in Majorca with their three young sons when he was arrested.

The footballer didn’t say anything as he passed reporters
(Image: Getty)

The former England captain entered his guilty plea at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Rooney is the all-time leading scorer for England’s national soccer team and for Manchester United.

Rooney’s solicitor also confirmed that the former England striker expects to be fined two weeks’ wages by Everton, which will amount to around £300,000.

Rooney, who left Manchester United to return to Everton in the summer before retiring from international duty last month, issued an immediate statement to Press Association to confirm he accepts the sentence, and he apologised to fans that he had let down by driving while over the limit.

The statement read: “Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgement 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.”