Ruud van Nistelrooy believes his ex-strike partner Wayne Rooney should concentrate on his football rather than get distracted by the off-field intrusion into his private life.
The Manchester United forward has struggled on the pitch in recent months after an ankle injury and accusations about his private life stole the spotlight.
Van Nistelrooy, who is currently thriving in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, suggests Rooney may have let the recent tabloid revelations into his private life affect his football, but is confident the England star will soon be back to his best.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think that the most important thing for a footballer is that you focus on the game.
"That's obviously the main thing. In England there is the press that looks into other parts as well.
"That doesn't happen in other countries really. You get judged by your performance on the pitch and that's how it should be.
"I think that's the way it should be. You have to live with that if you play in England."
Van Nistelrooy added: "The players I played with at United were always focused. They still are.
"He can (handle it). He's proved it."
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The Manchester United forward has struggled on the pitch in recent months after an ankle injury and accusations about his private life stole the spotlight.
Van Nistelrooy, who is currently thriving in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, suggests Rooney may have let the recent tabloid revelations into his private life affect his football, but is confident the England star will soon be back to his best.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think that the most important thing for a footballer is that you focus on the game.
"That's obviously the main thing. In England there is the press that looks into other parts as well.
"That doesn't happen in other countries really. You get judged by your performance on the pitch and that's how it should be.
"I think that's the way it should be. You have to live with that if you play in England."
Van Nistelrooy added: "The players I played with at United were always focused. They still are.
"He can (handle it). He's proved it."
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