Soccer Influence Quotes

In my career, Diego Maradona had the biggest influence on me.

Hockey is its own game. It's completely different than all the other games, although it's getting way too close to soccer.

It's unbelievable. I changed the way Barcelona played. Now, Spain have had to change.

When people ask me what club I supported growing up, I didn't really watch club soccer. The only channels I got had World Cups and the Copa America, so I gravitated toward the Latin American, South American style of game.

The transition from soccer to fashion was an organic one.

In my position, I've always admired Claude Makelele. I grew up watching him play. I was able to play against him in the final stages of his career. I have always liked his way of playing football, and given my position and style, he's been a mirror to compare myself against.

I usually dig the single-digit numbers, but No2 is retired. I'm going to change it up and wear No10. I'm going to wear it for Messi, my favourite soccer player. I've been playing a lot of FIFA lately and watching the games. He's the best little guy to do it and I've got to be the best little guy to do it at No10 in the NBA. That's my goal.

Brazilian football has always been very much admired in Japan and, of course, after my participation and so many other Brazilians, it was like they created a new style of play in homage to Brazilian football.

I think there are a lot of things that soccer does in the communities that transcend the soccer field.