Ireland rails against Flash Harry image
Ireland’s lavish lifestyle has received more than its fair share of column inches over the years. But not everything is as it seems.
“My finance Jessica and I were in Toys ‘R’ Us loading toys into the back of the car,” he said. “We got papped and got slated — ‘rich footballer buying thousands of pounds of presents for his kids at Christmas when families are struggling in the recession’.
“It wasn’t that at all. I raise money for the Francis House Children’s Charity in Manchester and the presents were for the hospice. But that’s not the story they want is it? I don’t bother with it. I don’t do charity work for the press or the ‘look at me’. It’s a false impression of me but it’s completely irrelevant.
“If you asked the average person what they thought of Stephen Ireland they wouldn’t come up with a lot of positives. But I don’t bother about that. My friends, family. They know what I’m like.”
Ireland is at least a favourite with the Villa fans and he added: “Getting a good response from the fans helps me as a person.
“I wanted to show that I did care and that I wanted to play. I am critical of myself and I want high standards.
“It is nice to come in every day not stressing because someone has decided not to play you.
“It’s a nice achievement for me to still be here and playing. I’ve worked hard.
“People, fans and press would think that I didn’t care. But I take my job seriously.
“I look after my career, my body, my fitness. I don’t go out partying. I don’t live that lifestyle.”
