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.

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

When it's game situation, when it's game day, game time, when it's World Cup, when it's these tournaments that happen once every so often, I live for that, I live for that challenge.

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.

Coaches give you too much information. Ive been allowed to develop that intuitive ability in my career and lifetime.

If you are passionate about something, that will enable you to be the best you can be.

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