Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole believes that London 2012 has highlighted the dedication and passion that some deem to be missing from modern football.
The English game has come under question following the success of Team GB at the Olympic Games, where the host nation finished third in the medal table behind the USA and China.
"[The Olympics have] been really inspirational," Cattermole told the Northern Echo. "It's a positive example for us all to follow, anyone in sport must be motivated by what they have seen.
"How hard these athletes work and how much they care about what they do. Footballers care as well. I sometimes think people don't realise that because they hear so much about off the pitch stuff, but we put a lot of effort in and always try to do our best."
Meanwhile, the Black Cats are preparing to go up against Arsenal in their opening game of the season on Saturday.
