Wayne Rooney has reacted to a month of negative stories surrounding England players by conceding he and his national team-mates do have a social responsibility to be better role models, reports The Guardian. The Manchester United striker admitted that it was this realisation that prompted him to reinvent his own image over the past few years.
"It is difficult as a footballer because you know people look up to you," Rooney said. "You are role models whether you like it or not. You need to try and be aware of that, try and do your best on the pitch, and try to do things well for kids to see.
"When I first joined Manchester United I used to go out to nightclubs but it is very rare that I would go out to a nightclub now.
"It changes with age, of course, but I made that decision myself. I got into a few things that I shouldn't have and I tried to change that. I am settled at home now. It's all good. I am enjoying my life with my family.
I spend a lot of time at home with them and that has obviously benefited me. When you are home you get your rest and it is definitely benefiting me."
