The pair released a statement 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."

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The issuing of a joint statement suggests the pair are going to try to patch up their marriage.

Earlier today Rooney left the family mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire, in his high-powered Overfinch Range Rover wearing a grey beanie hat and grey tracksuit top.

The England 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.

It is believed Rooney has not seen his wife or son since returning from England's 3-1 victory over Switzerland in Basle on Tuesday night.

The WAG and columnist has been staying at her parents' home in Huyton, Merseyside, while she mulls over her future.

The mother-of-one has had to face claims from Jennifer Thompson, 21, that she regularly slept with Rooney while Coleen was pregnant.

The news, broken on Sunday in the News of the World, sparked a series of claims from other girls about Rooney's off-field antics.

On Wednesday Miss Thompson's parents Hamish and Dana publicly apologised to Coleen.

The couple, who live in Heaton, Bolton, offered their "most sincere apologies" and said they did not condone what had or might have happened.

Today Rooney trained at United's Carrington training ground ahead of tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

Since leaving the Merseyside club for £25million in 2004 he has been given a hostile reception when returning to Goodison.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka has said that will definitely not change tomorrow.

If Rooney does play, Everton fans will debut a host of new chants that have been doing the rounds in Liverpool.

One man refusing to fan the flames was Rooney's manager.

Today Sir Alex Ferguson refused to discuss his star player's private life.

Ahead of the crunch game he said: "Let's put it to bed straightaway.

"I am not discussing any of my players' personal lives."