“As soon as I hit the ball, I know if it’s in.”

I have always believed that if you want to achieve anything special in life you have to work, work, and then work some more.

I feel I can still do the same job as I did 10 years ago – I’ve just got a few more wrinkles!

I don’t regret the decision to retire. My body was losing its edge. I was taking longer to recover from injuries. You have to get out at some point.

It’s not easy when someone pulls your ponytail.

You can be the one – in – a – million. Don’t be discouraged by the odds to Succeed.

I don’t think I have reached a plateau. I have just reached the level where I am today. But I need to go above it.

Is the Pope Catholic. No I’m serious. I really need to know.

I love scoring goals for England and playing for England. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t retire – I love playing for my country.

I’ve always been proud to represent my country, whether it be World Cups, European Championships or just friendly games, I’ve always been a proud person, I’m very patriotic.

Maths is totally done differently to what I was teached when I was at school.

I always used to go for blondes and quiet girls, but Victoria is the total opposite – dark and loud.

I have come to accept that if I have a new haircut it is front page news. But having a picture of my foot on the front page of a national newspaper is a bit exceptional.

Joining Real Madrid is a dream come true.

I still look at myself and want to improve.

To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country.

I haven’t retired from international football – I still believe I have a part to play in the future of England.

I really hate it when I can’t score runs from a ball.

I used to not be into the fancy ones. I used to eat goo balls all the time.

You can’t turn the ball over and expect to win.

Properly, we should read for power. Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.

Because I’m fairly big, I like to use my body. So I’ll control the ball, even when there’s a player on me, and then I’ll pass.

It will always be the ball and me.

A gun is no more dangerous than a cricket bat in the hands of a madman.

I don’t need the best hairstyle or the best body. Just give me a ball at my feet and I’ll show you what I can do.