I always had a philosophy which I got from my father. He used to say, 'Listen. God gave to you the gift to play football. This is your gift from God. If you take care of your health, if you are in good shape all the time, with your gift from God no one will stop you, but you must be prepared.'

Over the years I've learnt to live with two persons in my heart. One is Edson, who has fun with his friends and family; the other is the football player Pele. I didn't want the name. 'Pele' sounds like baby-talk in Portuguese.

The biggest family in the world is football, because football has more associate - and FIFA, for example - has more associates than UNESCO.

I don't think I'm a very good businessman. I act too much with my heart.

I think that France, Germany, Spain, Holland and England will join Brazil in the semi-finals.

When I was playing, they said soccer was a man's world and women should remain on the sidelines, all I can say is I'm glad I never had to go up against Mia Hamm

I played futsal growing up in Baurd. In futsal you need to think quick and play quick so its easier for you when you move to normal football.