El-Hadji Diouf laughs off 'bad boy' tag

Leeds United striker El-Hadji Diouf has laughed off his reputation as a "bad boy".

Diouf has been involved in a number of controversial incidents since moving to English football in 2002, including spitting at opponents and fans and allegedly taunting Jamie Mackie while the player was on the floor with a broken leg.

However, the 30-year-old believes that the incidents he has been involved in are minor ones compared to misdemeanors committed by other players.

"I have done things but others have done worse. I am an easy target, people talk about me no matter what. Okay, I have hurt people and I regret that. But I have never been to prison, I have never injured anyone on the pitch," said the former Senegal international.

"After people gave me the 'bad-boy' image, I had to deal with it. Bad boy? It makes me laugh.

"It doesn't bother me. I prefer that people talk about me, whether good or bad. I leave my mark wherever I go."

Diouf recently criticised former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, claiming that players "couldn't stand" the England man.