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.

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.

I couldnt change who I am; I couldnt change the kind of player I am.

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

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.

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

Its not like you make a decision and everything inside you is 100 percent happy.