Australian cricket great Ian Healy has implored David Warner to park the resentment and hostility and end his career on a positive note.
Healy's comments on SEN radio came days after Warner told media "I just make everyone look stupid", referencing his impressive form to date at the World Cup in India.
The fiery left-handed opener endured a dismal three-year stretch in which he failed to make a triple-figure score, but has bounced back at this tournament to accrue 413 runs at an average of 68.83, leading the charge as the Aussies have won four of six games.
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While the calls for Warner to be axed from the international teams earlier this year carried significant statistical weight, no one could argue with his spot atop the batting order at the World Cup now.
Still, Warner seems intent on going to war with his critics, to which Healy has a simple piece of advice.
"Forget it, Davey… would be my message," Healy said.
"My era of Australian teams was sometimes criticised by Cricket Australia for our siege mentality. When we came under pressure for either off-field or on-field issues, we could be prickly and defensive.
"I know the temptation that Davey has fallen into and succumbed to this week when he uttered the words, 'I'm making everyone look stupid'.
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"What I don't comprehend and will never be able to is just the amount of incredibly unfair criticism that Dave has endured in a short period, and made it back to his feet and through the other side.
"He's never forgetting a lot of that, I'm sure, and I forgive him for that because I'll never know just how hard that's been."
Warner has announced he will retire from international cricket following the summer's Test series against Pakistan.
Healy wants to see the modern legend sail into the sunset gracefully, but fears Warner isn't capable of letting sleeping dogs lie.
"He's most keen to make people eat words and look stupid it seems. That's a disappointing thing for mine," Healy said.
"I hope his great supporters don't feel stupid, at a time of the highest praise being handed out to his play, because they at this stage could easily be recognised in these good times, rather than just negativity.
"That way teammates, selectors and family can really enjoy this play once again.
"I hope he finishes strong, winning this World Cup on his bat if that's possible, enjoy the summer all around the country and finish happy."
Australia next plays England on Saturday night.
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