In a way, I've thrived on the competition, perhaps it has made a better player because of it.

Every season will have its dips and hard moments, and the challenge then is to make sure you don't get too down in those moments and make sure you come back fighting.

I like to go to America. That's where I go for most of my holidays.

I am certainly not the most talented player in the world; there's many a more talented player than me.

Obviously, it has taken time to work with the players around me and with so many new faces coming in the summer, in a way it's been more difficult.

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.

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.