A-Rod grateful Steinbrenners gave him opportunity to 'rehab my life'

Alex Rodriguez has been able to improve his public image drastically in the years since his suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, and the retired slugger credits the Steinbrenner family for affording him the opportunity to turn things around.

"Being a Yankee means everything to me," Rodriguez told reporters Tuesday, according to the New York Daily News. "I'm grateful for Hank and Hal (Steinbrenner) for the opportunity they gave me to rehab my life, get my life back in order from the mistakes I made."

Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season, but the Yankees welcomed him back amid plenty of friction between the two sides. A-Rod issued an apology to the organization before returning, though the bridge was far from mended.

The two sides butted heads in April 2015 regarding a $6-million marketing bonus owed to A-Rod for tying Willie Mays' record of 660 career home runs, before they mutually agreed to make a $3.5-million charitable donation.

Rodriguez's strong performance at the plate in 2015 helped mend the relationship, with Hank Steinbrenner heaping major praise towards the 14-time All-Star in July.

"I think it's one of the greatest comeback years any player has ever had," Steinbrenner said. "It's an amazing year. The bad hips, all the other stuff, the more than a year off at his age. To come back and do what he's done is pretty amazing."

Rodriguez further improved his reputation in the clubhouse with his performance, and in the public eye with his positive attitude. Despite the Yankees releasing him from his player contract last August in order to open a roster spot for a younger player, the club opted to keep A-Rod involved as a special adviser and spring training instructor.

"He's gotten back up and fought his way back," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, according to Yahoo Sports. "You can learn a lot from that."