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Rory McIlroy says he wants to "shift the narrative" after claiming people are remembering Europe's Ryder Cup win in New York last month for the "wrong reason".
McIlroy bore the brunt of verbal abuse from a hostile crowd throughout the event at Bethpage Black and hit out at "unacceptable and abusive behaviour" after his wife Erica was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan.
Speaking on Wednesday before his first tournament since the Ryder Cup, McIlroy said the focus on the fans' behaviour detracts from a rare European win on American soil.
"The unfortunate thing is people aren't remembering that [performance] and they are remembering the week for the wrong reason," said Northern Ireland's McIlroy, who contributed three-and-a-half points to Europe's 15-13 victory.
"I would like to shift the narrative and focus on how good the European team were and how proud I was to be part of that team to win an away Ryder Cup."
Asked if he thinks people no longer watch sport purely for enjoyment, McIlroy said he believes the "majority" of fans tune in because it is impossible to predict the outcome, but admitted interests such as gambling have changed the way it is consumed.
"As an athlete and knowing that you're going to get criticised for your performances, good or bad or whatever it is, I think at this point in time and in this modern world, that's...I wouldn't say it's a price to pay but yeah, it is what it is," added the 36-year-old.
"I think athletes nowadays have to do a better job of blocking out the noise. So not going on social media. Trying not to read anything about yourself. Easier said than done.
"But I think the more athletes in this day and age, if they can do that, I think it's better. I think it's better for their performance. I think it's better for their mental health, and I think it's better for their longevity in a given sport, as well."
Europe's victory at Bethpage Black was McIlroy's sixth in eight Ryder Cups and second in America after 2012's memorable triumph at Medinah.
Speaking on Tuesday, Donald - who also led Europe to their 2023 win in Rome - said McIlroy would make a "good captain", but the world number two does not expect to take the reins until the "mid-2030s".
"Certainly not 2027 [at Adare Manor in Ireland]," he said.
"I hope I'm still playing at that point. But yeah, I would love to be the European team captain at some point.
"But that will be beyond my playing days, or at least when my playing days are coming to an end and I'm not good enough to make the team, or I make way for the new generation to come along.
"Hopefully that's not in 2027. Hopefully, I'm still good enough to play and put points on the board for Europe."
McIlroy is returning to action at the DP World Tour's India Championship - a new tournament - alongside Ryder Cup team-mates Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland.
Grouped with Hovland and US Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin, McIlroy begins Thursday's first round at Delhi Golf Club at 02:55 BST
