Jerome Boateng Quotes

I started out as a defender. I played as a full-back, and then I moved into the centre. I played defence right the way through until the Under-18s. Honestly!

I can play left-back; I can play in midfield or on the left or right wings.

I like playing deeper, but I'm not Casemiro.

I want to play right-back. I have worked my whole life to get to where I am now in a World Cup squad and to showcase my talent in the World Cup stage, playing in my position.

I genuinely enjoy watching the full-back run up the pitch and going across to fill in.

Ever since I was in the youth team at City, I've always loved crossing the ball.

I can play in any position except goalkeeper.

I prefer to play in midfield, whether that is attacking midfield or defensive midfield.

The boy can do anything, but to be the star of the World Cup you have got to get to the final and win it!

My heroes were always soccer players.

I want to be a footballer - and that means playing on a Saturday afternoon.

Whoever likes football always likes to see the best player on the pitch.

That's soccer. There are good games and others that aren't so much.

I could play anywhere. I played everywhere on the pitch for United, apart from No. 9 or keeper.

My dream was always to be a footballer and help my family.

I promised my mother that I'd be a famous footballer one day after seeing players such as Croatia's Davor Suker and Serbia's Predrag Mijatovic shine in France.

I play on the left hand side, and I try to do the best I can.

I look up to many great players - principally attackers. The two Ronaldos, Romario and Rivaldo all play well.

I'm not a left midfielder. I hate that position, I don't like it.

Messi plays in Spain, we know he makes a difference, but if you've played against him then maybe you're aware of situations that can repeat on the pitch. But Messi is Messi, with his talent, he may send a spark with very little and make the difference. He is unpredictable.

We are Italy. It's only right that there is competition in attack, like there is in every other role.

I don't want to disrespect anyone, but it's clear that any team which has the chance to play with Messi, Suarez, and Neymar has devastating attacking power, which any coach would love at his disposal.

I love watching Messi with the ball at his feet. He scores goals and everything else.

I've always been a centre-half, to be honest.

Poldi can do much more than just play on the wing.