There's never been completion in my football career because I've always been striving for that next thing. You listen to people who have finished and nothing replaces playing, but I'm still excited about not having to put my body through what I've put it through. And not feeling the disappointment that I feel.

Where does it stop? You get offered money for your wedding, then for your kids, new houses, holidays... We earn enough from football and sponsorships, why do you need any more?

We will go back to playing like Manchester United.

I do not wish to hide my origins, nor do I seek to make it a subject of conversation. I am what I am.

I had an early taste of fame. I was 20, going out with TV presenter Dani Behr and we'd have paparazzi chasing us. I'm not comfortable being photographed, though I accept it is part of the job. I had to ask myself, 'What comes first, being a celebrity or footballer?

I'm not comfortable being photographed, though I accept it is part of the job.

You get yourself prepared for a big game, you get yourself up for it. Then afterwards you don't sleep or eat properly.