The game of soccer has been able to give me what I wanted out of life. I just remember being a total Tomboy and athlete as a girl, but never having a lack of opportunity.

To be the key player in creating and scoring goals, that's what I take pride in, and the thing I know how to do best.

Ive known since I went to the national team when I was very young that I was a different bird.

Everybody has down times and stuff that they have to work through. I worked through that stuff because I've always wanted to be playing soccer.

Soccer's not a game that you can restrict players, especially creative players and players who have proven themselves at that level.

You can't ask every player to do the same thing. That's why we have amazing midfielders, defenders, forwards and keepers. You can't ask them to be of the same mold.

I am somebody who... - I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I need that freedom, that ability to make mistakes out there. Because there's a fine line between making a mistake or being brilliant.