England skipper Rio Ferdinand admits there is no room in modern football for players "going out on the lash'' if they want to do themselves justice at the top level of the game.
Ferdinand's claims come in the aftermath of several high profile players being in the headlines for alleged drinking sprees in recent weeks.
Manchester United star Ferdinand concedes alcohol was part of the culture associated with the game and players during the early part of his career. Ferdinand believes the current players do "not have to live like monks'' but accepts they have a responsibility to themselves to behave appropriately and sensibly.
He said: "In all ways and shapes, you have to accept responsibility. Nowadays you have a game Saturday, then Tuesday, then Saturday, then Tuesday. There's no room in the game to go out on the lash and get smashed like you used to. That was part of the culture when I was growing up as a kid. The players I looked up to at West Ham, their social lives were a big part of their lives.
"Nowadays, you can't afford to do that. You're playing against teams that are physically in tip-top condition. If you're going out there and are not in the same physical condition, you can't do yourself or your team justice. There are so many different factors that determine whether you become a top player. But going out drinking will definitely be to your detriment and will hold you back from being a top, top player.
"Your own personal pride and will to win and be a success, should make you sit and think 'I can't do that on a Saturday night if I've got a game on a Tuesday or Wednesday'. If you've got a free week, there's no problem going out, enjoying yourself and letting your hair down.
"You don't have to live like a monk. But you've got to pick and choose your right times. It's about managing yourself right. As a young player, sometimes you take certain steps and then learn from them. Some people aren't going to be told 'you can't go out'. They want to find out themselves and will make mistakes along the way. They have to be strong enough to pick themselves up and carry on.''
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