Wayne Rooney, a former Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle manager, has revealed that he is deaf in his left ear and discussed how the ailment has affected his punditry work.

Following disastrous periods with Birmingham and Plymouth, Rooney has taken a step back from managing and created a reputation for himself in the punditry world during the last year.

Rooney controversially succeeded John Eustace as Birmingham manager in October 2023, when the club was sixth in the Championship, but after winning only two of his 15 games in command, he was fired less than three months later, with his side just outside the relegation zone.

Despite his problems with the Blues, Rooney was given an unexpected Championship lifeline by Plymouth in May 2024, but he did not do any better with the Pilgrims, as he left Home Park with the team at the bottom of the table after winning only five of his 25 games in charge.

While Rooney may have struggled in the dugout, he has garnered many admirers for his work as a commentator. After signing a two-year contract with the BBC in the summer, he now appears on Match of the Day on a regular basis, as well as producing his own weekly podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show.

Ex-Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney opens up about his medical issue.

Rooney has impressed since transitioning from management to the television studio, but the 40-year-old has now revealed a physical ailment that impacts his punditry work: he is deaf in his left ear.

During a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what happens before Match of the Day airs, Rooney is shown being helped to put an earpiece in by a show runner, and the former Manchester United and England legend opens up about his ailment.Can I do it in this ear? In a Behind-the-Scenes segment for Match of the Day, Rooney stated that he used to close the talkback.”I’m deaf in my left ear.”So when it becomes too loud, I have trouble hearing what Kelly Cates or whatever is saying.

“It’s such a historic show and has been with me throughout my life, so being on it from a regular point of view is strange, especially when you sit down and hear the theme song,” Rooney added.The show involves many aspects that are not visible to the audience.You’re here all day, watching games and attempting to provide feedback, whether it’s tactical or mindset-related for the players.

Wayne Rooney drops hint on potential management return amid Manchester United, Everton reveal

After two painful experiences in management with Birmingham and Plymouth, many have questioned whether Rooney will ever return to the field, and it appears he has permanently moved his concentration to punditry.

Rooney acknowledged last week that he would only return to coaching for two of his previous clubs, Manchester United and Everton, but with neither Premier League club expected to call him anytime soon, his managing career appears to be ended.

While Rooney will always be frustrated with his time in the dugout, particularly with how he performed in his last two jobs, his recent television appearances suggest that he is much better suited to punditry, and he will most likely be a prominent voice in the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup this summer, in addition to regularly appearing on Match of the Day.