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This stupid celebrity thing is just a consequence of being good at what you do. I mean, no one would photograph David Beckham if he wasn't the best attacking midfielder in the country - much as I hate Man. U!

I'm very lucky with the people that recognise me - it's at a very tolerable level. I don't think I could handle the level of recognition which David Beckham has.

David Beckham has never impressed me.

I am no David Beckham. I have not changed my life since I was 15 years old. My family is the only thing that has changed for me.

In a way, certain sections of the media always wanted to knock me because I had captained my country and been skipper at Old Trafford. It was all a bit odd really.

There are members of the London press who seek to antagonise me, deliberately.

People talk about footballers and they get a bad press when not all of them deserve it.

There are a lot more tabloids in England that like to report other things in your life, some of which are true and some of which are exaggerated and untrue. There have been stories where people claim to have seen me in one place and I wasn't even in that city then. The Aussie press is more judgmental and moralistic.

There's so much cynicism around in Britain, especially in the press. The American press might be naive, but at least you feel as if they're on your side.

There have been times when I've reflected on my international career and just thought: 'Well that was a massive waste of time.' Sorry for sounding sour, but my best mate, David Beckham, got butchered after the World Cup in 1998, then my brother, Phil, after Euro 2000.