My dad being a player. I was never that quick as a kid, so I had to get quicker. I trained hard. I was never that player who could roll out and relax, like Michael [ Owen] or Stevie [ Gerrard], who were natural.

If I lose the ball, I lose it trying to do the right thing. That's the way it is.

I don't know if we'd have been as dominant as we were last season. The new things, the new ideas the manager brought in everyone took them on board so well. He is special.

I'm like everyone else: I want to play every game, but it's not possible.

I fancy our chances at the European Championships.

But what club wouldn't welcome the chance to strengthen their side, what club would turn down the resources Chelsea have?

Of course, there will be few people who are sympathetic but you don't become a great team overnight, no matter how much money you have at your disposal.