Andrea Pirlo

Being a philosopher is to think, seek wisdom, and have principles that guide and influence what you do. It's to give meaning to things, find your way in the world, believe that in the end, in every instance, good will overcome evil, even if there's a bit of suffering along the way.

As a player, you get to the stage where you realise that you are not 25 anymore - and can't play the way you used to. The intelligent players adapt - and Steven Gerrard has the ability to do that. He is an excellent passer of the ball, possesses an intelligent football brain, and has great vision.

When there is a solid base of Italian players, those who come in take their example, and then everyone is working in the same direction.

To get onto the Maracana pitch is the dream of every child.

There are so many different factors - luck, being in good shape when it matters, the draw. For these reasons, it's hard to win a European Cup.

I think if somebody knows how to play the game, he or she can play anywhere. You know how to fit in.

I want to help the MLS grow and play well.

Top European clubs are always progressing with what they can do off the field. Training is getting more scientific, and we are constantly getting more educated on nutrition.

Until I was 30 years old, my body was used to my routine of eating pasta every single day.

All I'm after is a few square metres to be myself. A space where I can continue to profess my creed: take the ball, give it to a team-mate, my team-mate scores. It's called an assist, and it's my way of spreading happiness.

I still have a thorn in my side at not having played for Real Madrid or Barcelona, because playing there is a dream for every player. But I consider myself very satisfied to have played for the best teams in Italy.

Since I was a child, I watched tapes of Baggio, Zico, and Maradona, and then I tried to replicate them just playing on my own against the wall. Certainly it's talent, but you have to cultivate that talent.