The ball is an essential part of the game.

I find it terrible when talents are rejected based on computer stats. Based on the criteria at Ajax now I would have been rejected. When I was 15, I couldn't kick a ball 15 meters with my left and maybe 20 with my right. My qualities technique and vision, are not detectable by a computer.

For the world of football, Messi is a treasure because he is role model for children around the world... Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d'Or in history. He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable. He's in a different league.

He has been outstanding. [Manuel] Neuer is an extraordinary goalkeeper, who would deserve to win it.

In small space a player has to be capable of acting quickly. A good player who needs too much time can suddenly become a poor player.

Football is a simple game. It's just very hard to play it simple.

I look at Messi, and he makes me laugh. A beautiful footballer who is still like a kid. A world superstar, but still a kid. Innocent, you know. He just plays.