TheCable

Wayne Rooney has been banned from driving for two years after pleading guilty to taking the wheel while intoxicated.

The Everton forward was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work over the next twelve months.

Everton will also fine the 31-year old two weeks’ wages after he pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge.

The former England captain was stopped by police when driving a woman’s black Volkswagen Beetle in Wilmslow, Cheshire, at 2am on September 1. Rooney’s wife and children were on holiday at the time.

The former Manchester United captain’s lawyer told the court he wished “to express his genuine remorse for a terrible mistake”.

Rooney’s breathalyser reading on the morning of September 1 was said to be 104, almost three times the legal limit.

The striker has agreed to take part in a drink-driving rehabilitation course, which would reduce his driving ban by 24 weeks.

“Following today’s court hearing I want publicly to apologise for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit,” Rooney said in a statement.

“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.”