There's so many kids out there and it's such a cut-throat world. I've seen a lot of my mates, you know, who are better players than me at a certain age, and they're not in football now.

I had a chance to go to Italy when I was younger and that would have been tough because of the language. America is easier but I really loved it.

As far as I see it you just can't give Messi space in the dangerous areas - we have to close him down, get tight and give him as little room as we can because if you don't, he can destroy you.

My dad shaped the footballing side of me, and Mum shaped me as a person. I've always been very close to her - we've only ever had one argument, and that was over something stupid when I was 13.

There's a few ugly ones. Carlo is probably the best looking [on chelsea players]

I fancy our chances at the European Championships.

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