England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been voted the celebrity least likely to persuade UK consumers to buy a product after allegations of infidelity. A whopping 49 per cent of the 2,000 consumers asked in a poll by UTalkMarketing.com said it would be highly unlikely that they would buy a product endorsed by the English Premier League player, reports Sport Business.
Rooney currently has endorsement deals with a number of brands including Nike, Nokia, Ford, Asda, Coca-Cola and Electronic Arts.
"It goes to demonstrate the volatile relationship between brands and celebrities. A big name can help boost sales for a brand, but if their reputation becomes tarnished, then consumers are quick to turn away," explained UTalkMarketing.com editor, Clark Turner.
Sports personalities David Beckham and Gary Lineker came third in the list of celebrities most likely to persuade consumers to buy a product, which was topped by chef Jamie Oliver.
