When I was playing, I didn't realize how much of an impact I would make on people, Muslim or non-Muslim. We played a lot of games during Ramadan. On national TV, the announcers were commenting about Ramadan, and this raised the awareness to the general public and we made all the Muslims very, very proud.

In many ways, my job in soccer was like my job in basketball now. I had to protect the goal. That was the name of the game, not letting the other team score.

All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader?

I've now been in this country for thirteen years, since I was seventeen. So this is my second home.

I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention.

I'm the kind of person who always wants more.

My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players.