Lothar Matthaus Quotes

I know many people said I couldn't go to China because it would be a step backwards in football terms, but I think anyone would at least consider such an offer.

The contracts are structured different than athletes in America, but for me, it was good to move on and go back to playing in the premiere league, which is the best league. It was disappointing, as far as the team goes, but for me, there wasn't much I could do.

The best and most important step of my career was when I moved here - and Louis van Gaal brought me from Madrid to Bayern. It was the best move of my career, and it's thanks to him.

At Walsall I got away with a lot of things because I was the young star and they wanted to sell me from a business point of view.

I think the big thing is you really have one chance to do this... to play hockey for a living, you have one chance at your career, and you have to take full advantage of it.

I spoke with Van Gaal, and he said that I only had a one per cent chance of playing in my position, so I headed to Bayer.

I had always said I will like to play for Milan at some stage in my career, so when the opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands.

I've come to Milan because I think I can play; otherwise, I wouldn't have come here. I'm pleased they were interested in me.

Surely it was the best decision of my career to sign for Juventus.

When I look back, maybe I would change some things. Maybe the move to Germany was too early and I should have stayed at Chelsea a bit longer.

I never thought about money; otherwise, I would have left aged 26 when Real Madrid and Barcelona wanted me.

Despite all that has happened in his career since, one of the biggest regrets of my life in management is not taking Luis Suarez to Tottenham when we had the chance.

I'm a big believer in the student-athlete part. I value the education and what it provides for you. Football is a vocation. Only 1.67 percent of these athletes go on to the NFL. An education provides you an opportunity for a career. A lot of people just don't get that. To say they aren't getting anything is misinformed.

I had opportunities in other countries - I never thought about England and Leeds United.

Clearly, any player would want to go to Real Madrid, but I think if there wouldn't be all the space that one needs there, then it wouldn't be the best move.

Juventus made a big offer for me, I think it was around €20 million. Stuttgart were thinking about it, but I was the one who declined. I thought it was better for me to stay there and grow as a player before making a big move.

I'm proud that I've even had a career, but 'proud' isn't the first word I'd use. I feel lucky that I moved to Manchester when I was 12 because I don't think I could have done this in Ireland. And I feel lucky that the government took care of me from the age of 16 to when I signed my first record deal at 19.

I had good times with Juventus but when you are offered the chance to come to Real at almost 33 years of age it is a great opportunity.

Spain and England have great leagues, and it would be nice to play there when the time comes.

When I left West Ham in 2004 there was a chance of them signing me instead of Spurs, but it isn't something I think about too often. I've been spoilt during my career.

In Europe, Bayern is my last club - 100 per cent.

If I play well for Holland, I am sure that I will have my chance for Milan.

I would like to thank the Jaguars organization for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.

I made a professional decision, a step forward in my career and for Roma, who earned a huge sum.

Considering the relatively brief careers of professional athletes, teenagers who are good enough to play at the highest level should be able to exploit that market.