WAYNE ROONEY has reacted to a month of lurid allegations surrounding England players by conceding he and his national team-mates have a social responsibility to be better role models. The Manchester United striker admitted that it was this realisation that prompted him to reinvent his own image over the past few years.
Fabio Capello’s squad convened at their Hertfordshire training base yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Egypt with the deposed captain John Terry back in the fold despite the furore generated by his alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s former partner, Vanessa Perroncel.
Rooney insisted the Chelsea centre-half is still an integral player if England are to stand any chance of success at the summer’s World Cup finals, though he offered a reminder too of the greater responsibilities that come with life in the public eye.
“It is difficult as a footballer because you know people look up to you,” said Rooney. “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.”
Rooney’s recognition that England’s players have greater responsibilities will tally with the views expressed by Capello, who said last week that his decision to relieve Terry of his duties had been born of a moral belief that “children look to these players as an example for life”.
Steven Gerrard will captain the team at Wembley in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand. Terry remains a key member of the set-up despite his actions having effectively prompted Bridge’s premature retirement from international football.
GuardianService
