Interview by Brian Alexander BBC Radio Five Live presenter

Barton joined Newcastle in the summer

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has admitted he has made a lot of mistakes in his career - but insists that he is trying to become a better person.

"People want to keep beating me with a big stick that I'm a bad boy," Barton told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I'm not a bad boy. People who know me, whose opinions I respect, know what kind of person I am."

Barton, 24, was speaking before pleading not guilty to attacking a team-mate while at Manchester City.

Interview: Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton

I've been trying to lead a good life and be a good person Joey Barton

He joined the Magpies in a �5.8m deal from City in June, but is unlikely to make his debut until the end of September after fracturing a metatarsal.

Barton, who did not specifically talk about the incident which involved former team-mate Ousmane Dabo said: "I'm a human being and I've made mistakes - stupid mistakes and a few of them.

"I've also stood up and said I was wrong and what can I do to put it right.

"I've never shunned away from the fact that I've been in trouble.

"I'll make bad decisions and make good decisions, just like anyone else - I'm not some superhuman robot just because I play football.

"My life is lived out in the public forum and people only get to see the side of me that makes mistakes and they don't see the real me.

"I'm a human being. I've made a lot of mistakes, but I'm learning from them.

"I've been trying to lead a good life and be a good person."