Wednesday, September 6 2006 10:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Shane Warne, the eternal bad boy of cricket, has blamed the game for ruining his personal life.

The highest wicket-taker in the world says cricket had been 'very, very good' to him but he has had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way.

The Australian bowling great also admits that he has done 'a few stupid things' in life and had been an 'idiot' at times as well but is glad that he still manages to keep people interested in him.

"Spending so much time away from home puts enormous pressure on any relationship and means I have not seen as much of my family as a father with a 'normal' job," he has written in his autobiography 'My Illustrated Career', excerpts of which were published in 'The Times'.

Warne's marriage with model Simone ended in divorce last year following a string of sexual escapades involving the blonde bowler.

"To succeed in the game these days take a lot of dedication. At the end of the day, I think the game has cost me a hell of a lot in my personal life, along with some poor choices by yours truly," he writes.

"Yes, I have done a few stupid things along the way, on and off the field. There are some people who think I am a bit of an idiot and, at times, I would have to admit they've been right. But whether they love me or hate me, they are still interested in me and when you cut through everything else I think that is because of the way I play the game."