Everton fullback Leighton Baines insists homesickness was never a factor for him in missing out on England's World Cup campaign.
Baines is ready to beef up his image to get a place back in Fabio Capello's squad.
"Let me put the record straight: it was a big deal for me to miss the World Cup," Baines told the Sunday Mirror. "I know it's been levelled at me that I talked myself out of the squad, but the truth is that not once did I say anything about homesickness.
"I spoke to one person after playing in the warm-up game against Mexico and I just pointed out that I had my family with me and I wanted to spend some time with them before reporting back with England.
"I said that the hardest part of being a professional footballer was the time you spend away from your family. Pure and simple. And I'd say it again.
"I don't think I am any different to any player in that respect. It is natural to miss your family when you are away from them for a long period of time, but it's something we all accept.
"On that particular occasion, though, what I said was jumped on and taken out of context. If the selection was based on form then I accept it, because I'd had a poor game against Mexico.
"But looking back, maybe I was a bit naïve. I said the wrong thing at the wrong time and I feel it's been used against me."
