“He was a quiet man, Eric Cantona, but he was a man of few words.”

I’ve got friends in the different teams I’ve played for, but family is the most important thing to me. That will always be the case.

I always wanted to be a hairdresser.

My private life is perfect. If your private life and your life outside football is good, then it is good on the field for you.

When I was a kid, I thought my dad was a little bit harsh with me at times. Sometimes I needed an arm around me instead of my dad telling me what I did wrong, but it obviously worked.

Like any parent, I just want the best for my kids, whatever they decide to do. They will choose what path they want to follow, and we will always be there to encourage them.

The buzz is still with me. I get goose bumps.

I respect all religions, but I’m not a deeply religious person. But I try and live life in the right way, respecting other people. I wasn’t brought up in a religious way, but I believe there’s something out there that looks after you.

Kids can have great passion and great ability but if you have the facilities for your particular sport that can give you the inspiration to become a sportsman.

My life here is perfect and I’m happy at Real Madrid so, of course, I want to stay as long as I can.

When I was seven I wanted to be a footballer, but when I was 14, I wanted to be a model. Look where it’s put me now!

The game is in a neutral country for both teams.

I knew it was my time to retire, when I saw Messi running past me.

I dream a lot about football and a lot of them have come true for me.

I’ll never forget where I’m from, never forget my roots. It doesn’t matter where I live. I’m English, simple as that.

I don’t think I’m really in a situation to complain, because I consider myself to be privileged to be doing what I do.

The secret to my success is practice!

Happy is the man who has learned the causes of things.

When a man says I cannot, he has made a suggestion to himself. He has weakened his power of accomplishing that which otherwise would have been accomplished.

Only a man’s character is the real criterion of worth.

A man can be a hero in any profession.

Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the company of intelligent women.

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

The brave man is not the one who has no fears, he is the one who triumphs over his fears.

It is easier to build a boy than to mend a man.