sport news Vinnie Jones claims footballers have become 'rockstars' as he talks on the ... trends now
Throughout his playing career, Vinnie Jones became synonymous with crunching tackles, a no-nonsense attitude and the typical 'hard man' persona.
However, in the present day, the only battle that the former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder is looking to win is that with mental health.
Having made the transition from the pitch to the big screen - and partaking in film ventures such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Gentlemen - Jones has become familiar with the eventual burdens associated with success.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport, he explained: 'When you first start, you know, it's quite nice because there's no pressure and there's no expectations.
'And it's the same as when players start playing you know - like when Rooney started. There's no expectations on them.
Vinnie Jones has opened up on his battles with mental health as part of a new campaign
The Wimbledon and Chelsea legend sat down to discuss the burdens that players can face
Jones was known as football's 'hard man' but he's since adopted a new outlook on life
'But I said to somebody yesterday, you know, we build them right up and so there's only one way they can go a lot of the time - which is f***ing fall off. You know?
'And it's the same with the football fans, it's not just the footballers - let's not get mistaken. We've got people that go and watch the games that have got just as many struggles in life as these professional footballers.
'Some professional footballers are on £200,000-a-week and there might be people with the same issues on £200-a-week. The problem is still the same.'
Having made over 500 appearances throughout his playing career, Jones never shirked away from the limelight - which explains why he later moved to acting.
However, even he admits that the modern day footballer faces challenges that he never used to and, due to this, he encourages players and fans alike to talk more.
Jones continued: 'Nowadays, these young footballers now
