"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 was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint."

"I never thought I would be a legend."

"I always tried to be a good example for the children."

"I am a happy man. I have a beautiful family. I have a beautiful life."