Stoke boss Hughes denies drinking culture after Rooney storm

Wayne Rooney’s extravagant night out is an exception to the rule according to Stoke City boss Mark Hughes, who insists he and his old team-mates used to drink far more often in the 80s and 90s.

Rooney was snapped looking a little worse for wear after a night out drinking while on England duty last weekend, leading to heavy criticism from fans and the media.

The England captain has publicly apologised and the FA have opened an investigation into the circumstances.
Hughes understands the need to occasionally unwind in pubs and clubs but says players need to time it right in order not to get up in a media storm.

“Everybody in the world has a camera. I don’t have the profile of maybe some others, but I recognise I am the manager of a Premier League club so you find that where I was a player and used to sign a lot of autographs, now I am asked to take a lot of selfies,” he said.

“There are more selfies than autographs. Sometimes when you are trying to be pleasant with people things are misinterpreted.

“And even when you’re trying to have a quiet time people won’t allow you. It is difficult.

“You have to know your limitations. Some guys need to unwind after games, the adrenaline is pumping through your veins.

“Everybody is different. For the most part British players always used to have a few pints after the game because it brought you down, and I was the same.

“That’s ok if it’s at the right time. It is frowned upon more than it used to be because we have more information now about how alcohol affects the body.”