Speaking Spanish and Japanese has opened doors in my career and helped me bridge cultural differences, both in my personal and business life. During my football career I realised quickly what difference language skills can make

The best, most successful managers in the modern era are those who can keep a player happy even if he is not in the team. Given the size of the squads and the use of rotation nowadays, that's tougher than it's ever been.

Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.

We have got too many kids around the house to have a romantic meal at home. But Danielle is a ­fantastic cook. She does a brilliant ­lasagne, great roasts and a great chilli dish. She knows the way to my heart.

When I see old photos of me on the beach I don't look too bad... but it's hard trying to breathe in for such a long time when I spot the photographers!

Fella’s a genius. Best ever by a distance in my life time. Never really saw Pele… Souness, Gullit, Venables and now Rooney agree Messi is the best they have seen. He plays a game with which we are not familiar.

Footballers are more likely to work better if they get a pat on their back from the boss. A knife in the back is never the answer.