Why though? I honestly don't get the grief. He still racked up over 700 career appearances so it's definitely a case of 'as well as', as opposed to 'rather than'.
I just prefer footballers to keep themselves to themselves and go about trying to be the very best footballer they can be. To become famous for doing what they do better than almost everyone else.
He's always come across as far too desperate for publicity and fame. I always compare him to Paul Scholes, about the same age, same team, same training, same managers etc. One will go down as one of the best midfielders of his generation and the other married a spice girl, became a walking clothes-horse and hawked his brand at every possible opportunity to maximise his status/fame.
I know which one I've got the respect for.
As per Middsy nails it.
Indeed. Ultimately he'll be remembered more for his nonsense off the pitch.