George Michael laughs off sex romp

LONDON, July 27 (UPI) -- British pop singer-songwriter George Michael, 43, made light of his gay pick-up at a London hot spot, comparing himself to soccer player Wayne Rooney.

Referring to the soccer star's alleged visits with prostitutes, Michael said, "So they have to make me look like the gay Wayne Rooney, don't they?"

Michael claimed he was a role model for gay men and should not be made to feel embarrassed about cruising, which he does regularly, the Mirror reported.

"Sorry if people don't like the fact I cruise on Hampstead Heath, but the police absolutely accept that it goes on at night," Michael said in the newspaper's report.

He said the 58-year-old van driver from Brighton whom he met at the club was not unattractive. "I mean as much as I don't want to be ageist or fattist, it's dark out there, but it's not that dark," Michael said. "I've no idea who that guy was -- but thank you very much, whoever he was."

Michael said his "marriage" to his American partner Kenny Goss, 48, was still on, and the couple plans to marry before his European tour begins in September, the Mirror said.