I needed to prove to myself - to the manager, to the fans, even to my mum and dad - that I'm not just an average player.

I want to be the best in the world - everyone wants to be the best in the world - and that's what I want to strive to do.

It's disappointing to lose a game with the chance to go into the semi-finals of the Champions League.

English footballers are honest - they will run for 90-odd minutes - but that is not always what you need. Sometimes you need to rein back a bit and try and control the game with your passing.

I got my first taste of real professional football on loan at Northampton. I was 18 at the time, and I played only nine games, but it was a massive opportunity for me.

As a player, you don't put a price tag on your own head. You can't go around thinking, 'I'm worth that much.'

I want to play right back for England. I think that's my spot. I have played there for nine years.

I am listening to a book by the guy who founded Nike, and I can relate to it. He struggled.

In the World Cup, I was happy to play anywhere.

Gary Neville never seemed to know when he was beaten, and Ashley Cole never gets beaten.