Coleen Rooney on long-distance relationship struggles with Wayne - explains why she insists on it

Coleen Rooney has opened up about her long-distance relationship with her husband Wayne Rooney, who is currently managing Plymouth Argyle in the Championship

Being a working mum is like being Superwoman, something which Coleen Rooney can ­certainly relate to. With her husband Wayne away managing Plymouth Argyle, a Championship team in Devon, she is single-handedly running their household.

In a rare interview with us, Coleen, mother to four lively boys, opens up about their long-distance relationship and how they keep the spark alive in their 22-year romance. She says: "We see him a couple of times a week, which is good. He went to America, so this is a bonus because even though it seems like far away, it's easier to get to than Washington, DC."

She adds: "There's lots of FaceTime and he always phones when we're going out of the door in the morning. I'm like, 'Just wait till we're in the car. I've got no time.'" Coleen admits that they considered moving from their Cheshire home to be closer to Wayne, but decided against it for the sake of their four boys, all under 15, The Mirror reports in an exclusive interview.

She explains: "We thought long and hard about it (moving to Devon) but with the kids it didn't work."

She continues: "Kai's now in year 10 and just starting GCSE prep and everything's going well with football, and the other boys are all settled at school, so it didn't seem fair on the children to pick them up and take them away, and start in a whole new place. It's manageable. It's life. Other couples and families have similar situations and have to get on with it."

She boasts about mastering life's balancing act, saying, "I've got a house of four boys. Well, five boys," she adds with a laugh, playfully hinting at Wayne. "It is hectic. The key thing is I'm really organised. Preparation is key and just to make sure everything's done beforehand. I think that is my main strength."

Coleen humorously dismisses rumours that she sends food parcels to ensure Wayne eats properly. She explains: "My mum said that to me last night. I was like, 'Oh no, I've got no time to do that for him when I've got all those kids at home."

The couple treasures their quality time, whether at a live gig or just lounging at home. Coleen shares: "We love a concert. That's probably one of our favourite things to do, just us or with friends."

Recalling a particular highlight, Coleen mentions the time in 2022 when Wayne posted an Instagram photo of them with Ed Sheeran after one of his shows, captioning it: "Ed Sheeran... class as always. Brilliant concert."

Coleen reveals their simple pleasures: "We also like a night in just sitting in front of the telly, catching up on things. We always try to make time for each other, no matter what. We've always done that and I think that's what has kept a good ongoing ­relationship."

Coleen Rooney has opened up about her relationship with husband Wayne, jokingly remarking that they're beyond romantic gestures now, saying, "We're past that!" The Liverpool-born star was only 16 when she entered the limelight as Wayne's football career took off. She's had to mature quickly, facing numerous public challenges alongside Wayne, including the high-profile Wagatha Christie court case.

After winning the case, Coleen sought solace with her family, who she credits as her source of strength. "I'm quite strong minded and I've been able to cope with stress, mentally in the past and into the present. I'm lucky with that," she shared.

Emphasising the importance of a supportive circle, she added, "It's always been important for me to have good people around me. Being in the spotlight since I was 16, now looking at it, my eldest is nearly 15. At the time, I didn't think it was young but it was very young. I don't know whether I would've got through it without a strong unit around me."

Coleen feels fortunate to have trustworthy people in her life, which has been her pillar through tough times. Reflecting on her own youth and seeing her son Kai approach the age she was when she first gained attention, she contemplates the support that has helped her navigate fame.

She was thrust into the limelight, becoming a well-known figure as the girlfriend of England's rising football star – the 16 year old who made headlines by scoring a last-minute winner for Everton against Arsenal. Reflecting on those times, she said: "I was wise for my age but I had to grow up quick. I wouldn't say I am more protective of him (Kai), I would say it opens your eyes that things can happen young and to make them aware. When Wayne was coming up, he wasn't on social media, whereas now there's a lot more of that and that's where you've got to prepare the kids for if they do go on to be successful."

"But the football academy they are in, and school as well, they have workshops and they prepare the kids for what you should and shouldn't do on social media. It's always good to nip in the bud earlier than later."

Now, with past challenges behind her, Coleen is looking ahead with optimism.

Her face lights up at every mention of her sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six. She proudly discusses their hobbies, telling us: "They're very sporty but my younger two enjoy music. One is learning guitar, the other piano and both of them drums. The two older ones are football-mad and my eldest loves speaking Spanish at the minute and is into this Spanish rap. So he's doing that all over the house. The house is even noisier."

Kai and Klay, the young Rooney heirs, have taken a significant step in their budding football careers by joining Manchester United's academy. Coleen emphasises that there has been no pressure on them to play football, asserting: "We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do."

She addresses the expectations placed upon them due to their famous lineage, saying: "My eight year old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn't want to, and that's OK. I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we're out, they do say, 'Are you are as good as your dad? '."

The proud mother shares how her son Kai responds with confidence about his individuality: "Kai says 'I'm a different type of player.' You've got to let them know that you don't have to follow and to be your own person."

In addition to raising two potential football stars, Coleen is preparing for a hectic period as she steps up as the ambassador for Liverpool-based supplements company Applied Nutrition. Serving as the face of their latest campaign, Coleen reveals plans for her personalised product line next year: "Applied Nutrition are fantastic quality and just make you feel better. Next year, we're looking at bringing out my own range with them, which is so exciting. The range will be based on the needs of females."

She stresses the importance of wellbeing for women who often juggle numerous responsibilities: "It's really important for women to look after themselves. A lot of us have a busy lifestyle, whether it be looking after children, working, life is hectic for most people. I used to skip breakfast, so now I'll have a protein shake every morning and I'll include the collagen in that. It gives me energy and also we all want to look young forever."

• Coleen Rooney is an ambassador for Applied Nutrition, the global leader in nutrition and wellness products. Find out more at appliednutrition.uk