There weren't many options growing up, so I would wear whatever possible. I once saw a little boy wearing Jordan sneakers in a movie... and that made me dream.

The only thing that can protect me from someone coming from behind are the rules.

I'm always learning. I have to.

I've always said I learned to defend myself from an opponent coming for a hard hit. Tricks are part of my repertoire; I use them to try to get past my opponents, but the objective is always to score goals.

I stopped playing football because I'd done as much as I could. I needed something which was going to excite me as much as football had excited me.

Kobe Bryant was the reason I started playing basketball - always was and will be my favorite player of all time. I love the way he could get his shot off, his footwork down in the post, just his determination to be the best player.

Sport is a great equalizer that can build bridges, transcend borders and cultures, and render even the fiercest conflicts temporarily irrelevant.

When I was young, it wasn't about the money, it wasn't about the fame and fortune, it was about playing football.