Quotes from Edwin van der Sar

Matthijs is very mature for his age: he has the physique of a 24-year-old. He is also strong with both feet, has an extremely good range of passing, can head the ball, scores goals, and is a real leader at the back already at the age of 18.

I know I'm a good goalkeeper.

It's always best if you can leave with a good memory.

I'm always quite rational.

Nothing can replicate the thrill of making a great save at an away ground, or hearing your own fans cheering you, or the atmosphere when you score a goal or win a big game.

My career record was 5-2 in penalty shootouts.

I always said I wanted to finish my career back at Ajax, but I didn't think I was going to play for so long at such a high level, so that's not going to happen now.

You want to build your own team for the highest level, and that happens more with teams that stay together.

For everyone, the World Cup is important. It doesn't matter if you are 21, going for your first one, or 35 and going for your third one. It's the biggest stage you can play on, and every opportunity to experience it is something special.

I went to Fulham for the project they explained to me - but it didn't really work out. I might have been playing at a high level for the national team, but I was starting to miss those European nights and challenging for titles.

If you go to Juventus, you want to go for longer than two years, and you want to win titles.

Every flaw you have or lapse of concentration can cost you a goal, so you have to be on your toes every minute of the game.

I was in two successive European finals early in my career, so initially, you think that sort of thing is going to happen regularly. Then suddenly, it dries up, and before you know it, 13 years have passed before you get your next chance.

It's great to have people talking about the club again, to reinvent and get to know Ajax again.

At Ajax, Juventus, and with Holland, I have played with top teams, and now I want to use my experience to reach the same goal with Fulham.

United is a much bigger challenge than Ajax. They're not just a big and famous club but also a worldwide brand, yet when you're inside, it's still a family place.

I am not worried about being a legend, like Solskjaer; you do your bit, and that's what counts.

I remember, when I was 24, I said 34 was going to be the limit I will play to. But as everyone says, the older you get, the longer you want to go on because it gives you so much satisfaction.

It is almost impossible to orchestrate the farewell you desire. That is something only a few people manage to do.

I signed for Ajax in 1989 when I was still at school.

You know you're in for a tough time if you're trailing and the other teams are doing well.

When you see Sir Alex arguing with referees and linesmen, he is showing passion that has taken him to the very highest level of the game.

When I see the kind of passion Sir Alex shows, it is hard to believe he is about to celebrate his 71st birthday.

You hope to bring your 'A Game' to any game, and of course you do in a final. You hope to bring experience, fitness, communication skills, motivational skills.