Quotes from Diego Forlan

Atletico fans were always so desperate for us to win; it was like a religion to them.

As a player, if a club is desperate to sign you, then you can benefit from that. Desperate clubs are prepared to pay more money; they are prepared to act decisively and play you.

My compatriot Diego Godin is one of the best defenders in the world, good enough to play for any team in any league.

It was a privilege to enjoy the national team and be part of a group that gave so much to our country, wear the shirt with great people.

Argentina produces great footballers, but Uruguay does the same.

Football doesn't do sentiment well; it's a cruel profession.

Sometimes, in the last minute, against big teams... you never expect you have the chance to win, but there is that 'garra' that everyone talks about.

'Seba' Veron was one of the best players I shared a dressing room with. Not only was he technically gifted and could pass the ball accurately over distance, not only could he anticipate where players would run, but he also ran himself.

There were no Manchester United fans protesting when I left their club in 2005. I wasn't one of their most important players, so I moved on, worked really hard, got my breaks, and my career took off.

Even as a kid, I'd kick a tennis ball against a wall with both feet for hours. That was one way to become two-footed.

Two English defenders were among the finest I played against: John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

The passionate fans, pumped full of adrenalin, think they own their club and, by extension, the players because they play for their club. They don't. It is the club who 'own' the player, and only while he is under contract.

I will never play in England again, but I still actually look back with fond memories at some moments.

As a footballer, I have always found it better not to be too emotional. Better to be cool, consistent, clinical. Celebrate goals, yes, but keep your feelings for those you trust most.

It's hard to know when to call it a day as a footballer.

Football is a really simple game, and the most important thing, in any formation, is that the players do their jobs, not the formation which they play in.

During my career, I've have a lot of satisfaction, but I miss the Champions League. I'd like to win it with Inter.

At Inter Milan, I agreed to play on the wing and didn't like it.

Ronaldo can score every type of goal. He can use both feet, his head, take free kicks, finish from close range or outside the box. He has everything.

I am not saying that I am at the same level as Messi or Ronaldo. They are the best two players in the world, but I am very proud that I managed to finish above them in the goalscoring charts, especially as I was playing for Atletico Madrid, not Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Some players don't like to speak to the media or prefer to talk on live television so people can hear for themselves what is said, in real time.

Retiring from international football was a personal decision, and I was very sure about what I was doing. I played for my country for more than ten years, and there were highs and lows. It was a fantastic experience, though, and the most wonderful thing is that it ended well.

I can't recall playing for a team who weren't involved in a fight for points at the end of the season. That would be strange for me.

There are many great players to have won the adidas Golden Ball Award, and it is a great privilege to receive this award and be part of this select group of players.