Troubled England star Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen last night appealed for privacy as the couple tried to save their marriage amid lurid allegations about his private life.

The pair released a statement at the end of a tumultuous week saying: “The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families.”

The couple have faced a week of torrid speculation and newspaper headlines after claims the Manchester United striker had visited a £1,200-a-night prostitute while his wife was pregnant.

The couple added: “It is impossible for us, as it would be for any family, to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare and against the backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories.

“We would therefore ask that the media now respects our privacy and the right of our family to discuss these matters in private.”

Rooney left his home for the first time in two days yesterday clearly showing signs of strain.

The striker returned to the property in the early hours of Wednesday to find his wife Coleen had left with their 10-month-old son Kai. The WAG is staying at her parents' home in Merseyside while she ponders her future.