“[Meeting Mandela] was the highlight of my career; to meet such a great man and a strong man and such a passionate man about sport and life will always stay with me.”

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 have got this obsessive compulsive disorder where I have to have everything in a straight line, or everything has to be in pairs.

I just want people to see me as a hard-working footballer and someone who is passionate about the game.

One thing will not change – we will be going out to win.

No doubt about it, in my career Ron Lyle hit me the hardest. One time he hit me so hard I didn’t see it until I saw it on film when I woke up!

I love any time you can enlighten people to mistakes, that’s how I started my career.

Playing with Queen was the biggest moment of my career. It was like living a childhood fantasy.

No offence to Nicki Minaj, but her career has essentially been a Lil’ Kim tribute

The most common misconception people have had in the past is about my own control and calculation of my career.

I take pride in working very hard. You need to understand that hard work doesn’t instantly pay off. My career grew gradually and taught me a lesson every step of the way.

I come from a long line of teachers. Not only did I not go into the family business; I had an aborted law career and I played in bands. ‘Disco Pigs’ was my first professional acting experience.

I am very career minded, and I think my personality is more suited to America. I am a working mum.