“Football boots are very technical and have lots of specific requirements.”

To be recognised by a whole country is incredible. This is massive.

Zidane is probably the best player there has been in the past 20 years. France have recovered the best Zidane and they have progressively grown throughout this tournament.

There was huge pressure, especially before the big games. Not many people believed in us, but we believed in ourselves. We wanted to do something good and we did.

Messi makes the difference most of the time. In particular, he is always going forwards. He never passes the ball backwards or sideways. He has only one idea, to run towards the goal. So as a football fan, just enjoy the show.

It’s only natural to want to select your best players and there is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own. He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play.

I don’t know if we are the best team in the world. I am lucky to be playing alongside some of the best players around. It’s a dream.

The England team must always be respected. They always fight to the end.

I have a need to play intensely every day, to fight every match hard.

Real Madrid is the most important thing that happened to me, both as a footballer and as a person.

I love Madrid. I am happy to be here. I have been here three years and hope to be here longer. But I am proud of where I come from and never forget the people I grew up with.

The door can never be closed for good to any player.

Zidane was from another planet. When Zidane stepped onto the pitch, the 10 other guys just got suddenly better. It is that simple.

I was lucky to come from a difficult area. It teaches you not just about football but also life. There were lots of kids from different races and poor families. People had to struggle to get through the day.

My memories of events and games are fragmented.

I am supposed to set an example to young players.

Obviously fashion is a completely different world from football.

I am a sore loser. I’ve always been like that ever s’nce I started playin’ sports and just life in general. I hate to lose and I play to win.

You know how in football, guys throw defenses, and the defense throws you a look, but the look is not really what it is – it’s only made to fool you. It’s the same thing with drugs. The drug is only an illusion to draw you in.

It’s so easy for a kid to join a gang, to do drugs. We should make it that easy to be involved in football and academics.

I delayed my father’s funeral because of cricket.

Well, my mom was an Olympian, so we have some good genes on that front.

Well, my mom was an Olympian, so we have some good genes on that front.

Well, my mom was an Olympian, so we have some good genes on that front.

At the beginning, you are 20 and you can just imagine… don’t get me wrong, but having money. Then you realise that it’s not only about you and what you are doing but that you have to give back.