As a kid I always wanted to be a centre-forward. I wanted the buzz and thrill of scoring goals from an early age.

I would play in any number shirt for Newcastle United, but the No 9 at Newcastle is something very special and I've always wanted to wear it. I mentioned it to the manager, he mentioned it to Les and Les has been very kind and given it to me.

If people are going to write bad things about me because it makes news, I can brush it aside because I've had this for 10 years. I'm big enough and strong enough to cope with it. It's what comes with being Alan Shearer.

For me, Paul Scholes has been the best midfield player in the Premier League. By a mile. He has the lot. He scores and creates goals, he can pass the ball, he can head it, and rounds all this off with a competitive streak.

I don't know what I'd have become if I hadn't been a footballer; I wrote down 'dustbin man' on a careers questionnaire at school till my dad made me change it to 'joiner'.

I'd like to play for Newcastle United before I retire. The club is in my blood.

If you take the money away, a lot of the footballers would still be playing football. So, the money has nothing to do with it.