Michael Ballack Quotes

Xavi is one of the best players in the history of football.

I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It's Paul Scholes. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley.

Lombardi, a certain magic still lingers in the very name. It speaks of duels in the snow and November mud... He remains for many the heart of pro football, pumping hard right now.

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

What defines greatness is when you hold all the records and what you mean to your fans, on and off the field, because that is who ranks you as the greatest receiver of all-time. The guy that holds all the records, the guy that has set the stage for all of us, you have to give it to Jerry Rice.

My first hero to wear the number 10 shirt was Ronaldinho.

I have met him a few times. What can I say - Maradona is one of the best players in football history.

If you have a love for sport, everybody knows the success of Madrid in the '60s, Ajax in the '70s, Bayern Munich, and so on.

You have to respect Zidane, he's in the history of football.

I consider Zidane to be an amazing player who has written football history.

Diouf was one of the best players in the whole history of Senegal. He did a lot for the national team, and everybody knows and respects him for that.

I'm a fan of how Zinedine Zidane ended his career, right after a World Cup.

I don't think anyone can replace Steven Gerrard, be it Messi or whoever.

Scholes was playing tiki-taka football when nobody in England knew what it was. He was another of those players, like Denis Law or Bobby Moore, who at 15 probably looked as if he wouldn't make it.

My footballing idol is Zinedine Zidane; he was an amazing guy on and off the field.

When the list is made of the all-time best players, Totti will certainly be in there. I really believe he will be remembered as one of the greats.

I want to be the best player in the history of Egyptian football.

Andres Iniesta is the magic man, not just for Barcelona but also for Spain.

In the '80s, before I was born, my dad played in the old Soviet Top League in our home country of Armenia. He was a small but very quick striker. 'Soviet Soldier' magazine actually honoured him with its 'Knight of Attack' award in 1984.

Paul Scholes has been the best England midfield player for 30-odd years. You'd probably have to go back to Bobby Charlton to find someone who could do as much as Scholes. When the ball arrives at his feet he could tell you where every player on that pitch is at that moment. His awareness is superb.

A piece of football history. A unique coach [Sir Alex Ferguson], among the greatest of all-time.

Scholes is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation.

Messi has all the conditions to be the best, but first he has to beat Maradona, Romario and then eventually Pele.

Leo [Messi] is the best player of all time - better than Pele, Maradona or Cruyff. There have been some great teams in history - Pele's Brazil, Cruyff's Ajax, Sacchi's Milan - but in the past 20 years this Barcelona team is the best.

If he continues like this then I think Messi will be the best player in the history of football.