“The game is in a neutral country for both teams.”

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!

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!

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

Soccer is a magical game.

I can play in the center, on the right and occasionally on the left side.

Being a dad is more important than football.

I am always going to have problems with the paparazzi. I have had two men outside my house for the last two years, which is frightening at times, but that is my life unfortunately.

When you have kids you do grow up. I have just started realising it now-it changes the world, having children.

I’ve never felt like this in any other country. I feel at home, I feel wonderful.

Just look at the great Nelson Mandela. He came out of prison and saved his entire country. Some of the best people in the world have spent time in prison.

Boxing is a dying sport, really. Years ago, the world heavyweight champion could be said to have reached the highest pinnacle of sport. Even in this country, boxers were heroes. Think of Henry Cooper and Frank Bruno.

I believe that, in our industry, overexposure tends to create problems for artists, so fortunately, I have been exposed but not overexposed.

But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you’ve got to compromise. You’ve got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.

America is the only country ever founded on a creed.

I’m enjoying the most perfect tranquillity, free from all worries, and in consequence would like to stay this way forever, in a peaceful corner of the countryside like this.

My children grew up very resourceful and strong in spite of them having to live with different families and that I had to drag them all over the country with me.