Wayne Rooney has revealed some of the more unusual features of his diet during his playing career, with the Manchester United legend naming two junk-food items as staples so vital that he had them shipped to Washington DC.
The former England international first moved to the United States as a player to join DC United as the penultimate side of his career in 2018.
But Rooney moved back to the MLS team as manager between 2022 and 2023, and while Stateside, was keen to satiate his cravings for two items unavailable across the pond.
The 40-year-old revealed two of his guilty pleasures in conversation with Sunday League team Royal Oak FC assistant manager Steve Bracknall, who had ribbed Rooney over his choice of supermarket, Marks and Spencers.
In a bid to prove he was still down to earth, Rooney then explained that he was equally comfortable in Home Bargains, scouting out his favourite curry-flavoured instant Koka Noodles.
As the rest of his Wayne Rooney Show podcast co-hosts, including Kelly Sommers, appeared incredulous over his preferred choice of snack, Rooney doubled down.
'Them noodles, when I lived in America, I couldn't get them, and I shipped them over,' Rooney admitted. 'Them and Discos (crisps).
'Koka noodles - get a bag, put the kettle in, powder in, leave for five minutes, or you can do them in the pan,' Rooney explained.
Rooney was living apart from his wife Coleen during his second stint in the United States, after the influencer stressed that she did not believe there were lots for their four children to do in the city.
Koka noodles make for an inexpensive bulk order, with 30 packets of the instant treat costing just £18.20.
The 40-year-old returned to England however after just two seasons, with the two parties mutually parting ways after DC United failed to make the 2023 playoffs.
Rooney also shared the meal that he ate before making his Premier League debut for Everton, as a 16-year-old in August 2002.
'Gospel truth. I went to McDonalds,' Rooney confessed. 'I got a chicken burger and chips.'
But I didn't have the Coke, because I would have got a stitch.'
With no little disbelief, co-host Somers queried: 'Was it not repeating on you a bit?'
Rooney was adamant that he had felt no ill affects, noting that 'you eat what you want at 16'.
Powered by his McChicken, Rooney went on to assist the first goal in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Goodison Park.