RIO FERDINAND has admitted Wayne Rooney once noticed he “stunk of alcohol” during a Manchester United game.
The Old Trafford and England legend made the revelation when discussing Liverpool’s drop off in form since their league win.
Jurgen Klopp’s history makers drew 1-1 with Burnley yesterday as they continue to celebrate being the first Reds side to claim the Premier League.
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They were hammered 4-0 by Manchester City in their first game after winning the title.
Ferdinand said such a dip was to be expected with Liverpool because players’ minds are “elsewhere” once their goal has been achieved.
And he admitted his own lapse having gone out partying “all week” after winning one of the six league crowns he did with United.
Ferdinand, 41, told BT Sport: “There’s no doubt in my mind that there is a one per cent or two per cent fall-off when you win a league.
“Unless you have got a Champions League that is coming up after, which they haven’t, you normally just sit there and chill. So you celebrate.
“You haven’t got to go anywhere, they can be at home on a Zoom call, you don’t know these days, things are different.
“I am telling you there is a one per cent or two per cent at least that has come off, even in training. It’s not the same intensity, it’s just the way it is.
“Yes, they are fighting to break records, but that’s not the same as fighting for another title or another cup somewhere else.
“I remember running past Wayne Rooney in a game once and he said, ‘wow, you stink of alcohol’ and I said ‘yeah, I have been out all week’.”
Liverpool do still have something to play for, though.
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They can beat Man City’s Premier League points record of 100.
Liverpool are currently on 93 points but can finish on 102.
They have three games remaining – away to Arsenal, at home to Chelsea and away to Newcastle.
