The couple said they had a right to discuss “these matters” in private England striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen have asked the media to respect their privacy following allegations about his private life.
“The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families,” the couple said in a statement.
They added that it was impossible for them “to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare”.
Earlier, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson refused to discuss his player’s off-field problems.
The Rooneys’ statement, released six days after a series of allegations were published by the News of the World, added that they were facing a “backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories”.
It concluded: “We would therefore ask that the media now respects our privacy and the right of our family to discuss these matters in private.”
Wayne Rooney has played for Manchester United since 2004, when he signed from Everton for £20m.
He is also a regular in the England national team and scored as England beat Switzerland 3-1 in a Euro 2012 qualifying match on Tuesday.
Coleen Rooney is a TV presenter and columnist.
The couple, who met as school children in Liverpool, have been married for two years and have a 10-month old son, Kai.
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