Jack Rodwell Quotes

My best World Cup memory as a fan? The Michael Owen goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup in France.

Germans have a rich history of playing well in the World Cup.

It is well documented that I am a lifelong football fan. My love of the British game started with the 1966 World Cup.

There are hundreds of Beckhams playing football all over the world.

I was a Barcelona fan. My favorite player was Ronaldinho. But I watched a lot of English football and admired lots of English teams.

Michael Owen's wonder goal against Argentina in 1998 was one defining memory, and as a Sunderland supporter, I remember crying my eyes out after they lost that play-off final against Charlton. Much as that hurt, it made me realise how much I wanted to play the game.

I remember playing against the great Manchester United teams when I was a player.

The most important thing is qualifying for the World Cup.

We South Africans are also crazy about football, so the World Cup can be nothing but successful.

Nobody is offered a World Cup.

I played against the Brazilians in '82, who were definitely the best team never to have won the World Cup.

I'd love to play at Wembley. It's special for Barca - and for everyone in football.

If you come from Spain, you have to play football.

The World Cup is a truly International event.

I've always been a big fan of Thierry Henry. I enjoy watching all the great players, really. But we're always drawn to some players more than others, and in my case, it's Titi. He's my favourite player. I also really liked Luis Figo when he was at Real Madrid.

It would be fantastic to play against Germany and Brazil.

Generally speaking, I think that Frank Lampard is one of the best players in international football.

Football is the biggest sport in the world.

I can still remember watching Italy win the 1982 World Cup. I was just an eight-year-old kid in Naples, my hometown, watching the games with a bunch of people in the houses of relatives and friends. I can recall that when Italy scored, we would shout and hug, even though we did not all know each other.

Every footballer wants to take part in a World Cup with his country.

A lot of my family follow Liverpool, including my dad Tero and my uncle. In Finland I would say Liverpool is the biggest team, it started in the 1980s with the games on the TV. And then obviously they have had two Finland legends in Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia.

I had a great time with Botafogo, and I am sure they will acquit themselves very well in the Libertadores.

I love the Copa America. It showcases all the classic rivalries of South America, all those neighbours, up against each other.

Obviously international football is going to be different, I understand that.

Maradona has done a lot for his clubs, as Messi does, and for the Argentina national team.