Arshavin: I cannot be a monk
Andrey Arshavin has said that whilst he understands footballers have a responsibility to be role models for aspiring youngsters, they also have a right to live their lives as they see fit.
English footballers such as Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Chelsea's John Terry and Ashley Cole have been vilified in the press for their adultery, whilst United's Rio Ferdinand convenient failed a drugs test a few years back.
Arshavin admits that conduct like the above is wrong, but also says that it is almost impossible to live your life the way someone else wants you to live it.
Speaking to The Times, Arshavin explained: "All through my career I have heard people say, 'You must set an example. Don't smoke, don't drink, don't swear, otherwise the children will copy you.'
"They want you to be like a monk. But this is impossible. Everybody has a right to live in the way they want to. That is what it is to be human.
"Of course, I understand we have responsibilities. But it is no good doing something because you are scared of what people will say.
"You should do it because that is what you want to do.
"The problem is not fame and money, because if you have a good education and good parents, these things will not corrupt you. It is about having the right values."
The Russian international also criticised the English press for their often invasive and sensationalist reporting, saying that it harms their national team's chances of glory on the international stage.
Arshavin added: "Of course, it's normal that people are interested, but in England you are killing the national team with the level of intrusion.
"You are doing this to the team. Everyone wants England to become world champions, but you are destroying them at the same time.
"Give it a few more weeks and they will put a camera in a footballer's pants in order to get a story. I think you should leave your stars alone and give them the freedom to be human."
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I understand we have responsibilities. But it is no good doing something because you are scared of what people will say.
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