Rooney's mum is 'sick with stress'

Footballer Wayne Rooney's mother has taken sick leave from work because of the stress caused by negative publicity about her famous son, it was reported today
Jeanette Rooney continued working as a dinner lady at De La Salle School, in Liverpool, after her son became a highly-paid professional footballer.

But according to her family, she has since taken sick leave after a series of media stories about the 19-year-old Manchester United striker's temper, bad language and alleged sleeping with prostitutes.

Mrs Rooney's mother, Pat Morrey, told the Liverpool Echo: "Every morning, my daughter and Wayne's dad come here for a cup of tea and a chat.

"I know they're upset about what's been written in the newspapers.

"She's off work at the moment because of stress. It's hard for her because she loves her job and all the kids at school really respect her because she's Wayne's mum."

Last week, Mrs Morrey wrote to the Liverpool Echo urging people to "see the good side of my grandson".

She pointed out that many footballers swear and become angry on the pitch, and insisted that Rooney was "shy" off-pitch and gives money to charity.