CONTROVERSIAL Tyrone star Cathal McCarron has said he wants to be recognised for his achievements on the football field rather than his much-publicised gambling addiction and appearance in gay pornography.
Speaking to Tom Kelly on Q Radio, the GAA footballer said: "The future holds a very simple life. I just want to get back to living a normal life and playing my football."
The 29-year-old from Dromore said he planned to settle down after recent revelations concerning his private life.
"I have a wee child on the way in February and I just want to do the normal things that normal people do and have a normal way of life and not be on the front pages of newspapers," he said.
"I prefer to be on the back page from here on in."
McCarron also paid tribute to Tyrone manager Mickey Harte who he said stuck by him.
"There was a time when I thought I'd never kick a football again for my club, never mind my county and I have to thank Mickey," he said.
"He doesn't get enough credit for the work he does behind the public eye. He gave me a chance and hopefully I'm repaying him."
In October, McCarron published his tell-all autobiography 'Out of Control' which revealed details of his addiction, gay pronography appearance and his meeting with a 15-year-old girl arranged through dating app Tinder.
The Allstar nominee was questioned by gardaí over the meeting. He said in his book that he did not realise she was underage. The Director of Public Prosecutions later decided not to pursue the matter.
