Quotes from Clint Dempsey

There's no extra significance on beating a certain player. It's kind of like golf. You're just out there playing, and whatever ends up happening ends up happening.

When you're out there and playing, things are going fast. You've just got to trust your instincts and what got you there.

I remember, growing up, losing a sister, and - life is short. Make the most of your opportunities.

When you see that your kids are proud of you, that they're excited to wear your jersey and cheer you on, it doesn't get better.

In college, I joined a team Bible study. God's Word brought me peace and a desire for a relationship with Him.

I liked rap from a young age, from listening to MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice.

My parents gave us all a chance to accomplish our goals,and I was blessed with that - I was lucky with that - and I learnt at a very young age that anything less than my best wasn't acceptable.

I like being able to look in the mirror and seeing a smile on my face.

You don't want to get too far ahead of yourself; you just want to take care of your body and make sure you're doing the right things to give yourself a chance to get through the season.

There's always room for quality players in a team. The trick as a manager is to figure out how to bring the best out of your team.

For soccer, it was Diego Maradona, and then another idol for me was Michael Jordan. To see them play and how that they could impact the game was pretty special.

I love soccer. That's my passion. That's what I make a living doing.

Every year is a roller coaster. I've enjoyed the struggle of having new coaches and having to prove myself over again. Being able to figure out ways to solve problems, to overcome obstacles - that's been fun.

My parents worked very hard for everything that they got. Their parents worked hard. It's just something that is passed down to you, and whatever you want to accomplish, you have to work hard to get it, and that's always been that mentality that my family has, and I think that's something that was passed on to me.

I didn't get started until late. I didn't get started until I was 20. I turned 21 in my first MLS season, in March. It's always been a race against time, really, for me. It's kind of my mentality, to make up for lost time.

It's always difficult, when you have such a quick turnaround and a long flight, to try to get ready for a game so quickly.

You always have to stay motivated and try to make the most of where you're at.

I loved playing with friends and talking trash over 'FIFA' and 'Mario Kart.' Then, in the early stages of my professional career, I got into 'Assassin's Creed' and 'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.'

I want to do something really special in my life.

When you come in with the national team, there's an adjustment period. Sometimes you don't have time to adjust.

I'd rather be someone that's underrated than overrated.

The Cottage was one of my favourite stadiums to play in. It was such an intimate atmosphere, and I've just got so many great memories of playing there.

For a number of years, I struggled and put distance between God and me. But He was faithful and patient and provided gradual healing and strength.

I always kind of struggled a little bit with being captain sometimes, because sometimes you feel like you have to be someone that you're not.