35 Quotes by Ian Rush

I realised I'd been spoiled at Liverpool. We were used to winning. In Italy I grew up as a person. I didn't enjoy the football, mind. It was very defensive, but I became a better player because of the work I had to do around the box. Off the pitch, I learned about what to eat and what to drink to be successful, and I learned about life.

I've got tremendous respect for different cultures, for the food and everything.

I was so shy when I was younger. When I first went to Liverpool I didn't say a word for a year.

The only thing I can cook is Welsh rarebit.

I like the Stereophonics. I know the lead singer, Kelly Jones, and there's the Welsh connection.

In India, kids need someone to look up to. They've got it in cricket: they have Tendulkar and others.

People say you should go out at the top but I was enjoying my football so much. Robbie Fowler's exactly the same: he's not playing for money any more, he's playing for enjoyment. Why go out at the top if it's going to make you miserable? I just wanted to play as long as I could.

I've done my coaching badges, I've got my Pro Licence, but I enjoy what I'm doing now. I'm also the elite performance director of the Welsh FA. The main thing for me was always Liverpool Football Club and my country, Wales - and I'm lucky enough to still be involved with both of them.

This is why cup finals are so special because on the day anyone can beat anyone. That's what it's all about and that's why for me the FA Cup and the Carling Cup are the best cups in the world. That's the beauty of the cup.