I believe one's responsibility as a role model begins and ends with their perception of what a good role model is.
It's all about leading by example. Am I going to be perfect? Absolutely not.
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.
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 take being a role model very seriously.
I have a great responsibility, not only to my fans, but to kids who are going to look up to me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
