I believe one's responsibility as a role model begins and ends with their perception of what a good role model is.
It doesn't change the way I am, but I do totally understand how you're looked at as a footballer, especially by children. I don't claim I can shape their lives, but there's no harm in having good manners and being seen to play the game properly.
It's all about leading by example. Am I going to be perfect? Absolutely not.
Kids are the ultimate form of motivation. They're watching. They're mimicking. They're an extension of you. So you have to win.
I have a great responsibility, not only to my fans, but to kids who are going to look up to me.
I take being a role model very seriously.
I can't be a role model. I just can't be.
You've got to make it a good example for those kids regardless of how much you mess up.
I feel responsible for certain fans, but I've never said I'm a role model.
I hear people say, 'I'm not a role model' all the time, and it's like, 'Well, of course you're not!' It doesn't mean that people aren't going to look at you as one, though.
I really feel that leading by example is the best way for people to see who you are and let them connect with you.
You can't be a real man if you don't look out for your kids. They need you.
The reason I am here, they tell me, is that I played the game a certain way, that I played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
My belief is that you live your life by example, and not by a caption on a magazine!
You have responsibilities, and you are role models to kids. That comes with the job.
I lead by example. Everybody sees it.
