“Being a dad is more important than football.”

As a footballer you always want to test yourself against the best.

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.

We all understand genetics. You get your eyes from your dad, your mom’s nose, there’s nothing you can do about that. But your spiritual genetics you can choose, pick, embrace and commit to. That’s what I did.

My father has been by my side since I was little. He takes care of things, my finances and my family.

I wish all the mothers, fathers and children out there realize how much I need them and how much I value their support.

Daddy wasn’t there for me, so I had to grind every day.

When our founding fathers drafted the Constitution and Bill of Rights, black people weren’t even considered human.

One of the things I’ve always said is that if you’re given the ability to coach kids, then you’re really given the ability to be a father or parent of some sort.

My dad was my best friend and greatest role model. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend.

My dad used to say, ‘Just because you dress up in a coat and tie, it doesn’t influence your intelligence.’