“I love playing football but I think I am like everyone else, I hate losing and love winning. And if the time comes when I am not disappointed when things are definitely not going right, then that’s when people should worry.”

If you look at my bookings, they’ve gone down each season. That’s something I’m trying to keep improving. On the pitch you don’t want any silly bookings.

Yeah I think so. I saw the ball come in the box and I thought why not. I tried to get in a good position from when Nani crossed it. Nine times out of 10 they go over the crossbar or wide. I tried it and thankfully it’s gone in the top corner. You don’t have time to think about what you’re gonna do. It’s the first one since I started playing professionally so I’m delighted, especially as it has given us three points.
— Wayne Rooney saying his overhead goal against City in the Premier League was the best in his career

I’m playing a lot better since I had my hair transplant – I feel like a new man. But I won’t be heading any goals until the transplant has taken properly.(Not a Wayne Rooney quote – I made this one up!)

“He is unique and everybody is talking about how they compare him with Maradona or with Pelé. Well if he continues to do what he have been doing at Barcelona he will probably be the greatest player there ever been” – Sir Bobby Charlton Director, Manchester United

“You have to see him play – it is not something you can describe – you have to see it to believe it.” – Josep Pep Guardiola, Barcelona Coach

“Lionel was playing when he was 14 or 15 years old – he would appear on the pitch as a sub 15 minutes from time and finish the match scoring 4 goals in those 15 minutes. you know he was unbelievable from the beginning, everybody knew that he was a star and a genius with the ball” – Joan Laporta FC Barcelona President

What do you think – is he the greatest EVER player?

“Alex Ferguson is the best manager I’ve ever had at this level. Well, he’s the only manager I’ve actually had at this level. But he’s the best manager I’ve ever had”

When I was 7 I wanted to be a footballer, but when I was 14, I wanted to be a model. Look where it’s put me now!

Well, I can play in the centre, on the right and occasionally on the left side (when asked if he was a ‘volatile’ player…er not versatile David!)

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 still look at myself and want to improve.

I’ve felt a little tired, but I’m only 24. I love playing football. That’s my job and that’s what I love doing.

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

Shopping! – Beckham describing his strengths

I think the most important goal I scored in Spain was the first one because people were wary about me coming over to Spain as a player – they thought I was just there to sell shirts.

You can practice penalties till the cows come home but it is different when you are out there in front of 60,000 people and the pressure is on.

Pele was a complete player. I didn`t see him live obviously, because I wasn`t born.