"I used to tease the other kids because I played better than them. Then my father said, 'Come here. Don't do this with the kids, because God gave you the gift to play football. You didn't do anything. …"

"I never thought I would be famous. I just wanted to play football."

"Football is like a religion to me. I worship the ball, and I treat it like a god. Too many players think of a football as something to kick. They should be taught to caress it and to treat it like a p…"

"Football is a great school of life."

"I am very proud of my career. I have achieved a lot."