If you had to pick any player that divides public opinion with his sometimes outrageous antics both on and more recently off the field writing for the Daily Mirror, most people would look no further than Derby midfielder Robbie Savage and his latest interpretation on Wayne Rooney being seen having a crafty smoke will not doubt do just that.

Perhaps Savage makes a fair point when condemning the way in which players are reproved for their antics away from the football pitch by the media as although the very nature of their work sees them propelled into the spotlight, footballers are human beings just like the rest of us.

Whilst Rooney may light up a cigarette now, I’m sure all his ‘sins’ would be washed away if he provided the spark Manchester United require if they are to wrestle the Premier League crown off Chelsea this season and the media may again laud his footballing ability rather than needlessly plaster such insignificant news across their front pages.

The health risks are obvious, but one cigarette is not going to hamper his performances as suggested this week; in fact it may even help him to relax ahead of a new season in which we hope Rooney can once again encapsulate Premier League audiences with the scintillating displays that they have become so accustomed to.

The legendary Brazilian midfielder Socrates is reported to have smoked two packets a day through his playing career and yet he is remembered for his majestic midfield performances simply because in his era, the national press were not so obsessive over capturing sports stars up to no good. Zinedine Zidane was also captured smoking before the World Cup 2006 semi-final but the Portuguese could do little to stop him dominating the midfield to secure France a place in the final.

Savage’s argument is further vindicated by his referral to Blackburn midfielder Tugay and how the midfielder’s car used to “stink of smoke”. The Turkish midfielder retired as late as 39 after being an integral part of the engine room at Ewood Park.

Ultimately, one or two cigarettes will hardly effect a player that much and it is rather exasperating that the media sensationalise stories such as the one Rooney has been involved with this week as opposed to embracing what will commence on the pitch come Saturday 14th August.