Quotes from Patrick van Aanholt

When Sunderland turned down an offer for me from Crystal Palace I went to see Moyes in his office three or four times. I was angry. I told him: 'Accept Palace's bid and just let me leave - it is the best thing for all concerned.' But he said that he wanted to keep hold of me.

Of course every player has to accept criticism and it has happened to me. But you have got to get back up.

A win against the champions is always special.

We all want to make a step higher up. I think I've got it in me to play at that level. I played a few games at Chelsea and showed it. That's just having confidence in yourself.

But I think I made the right move to leave Chelsea behind. They kept sending me on loan to get more experience.

I didn't want to play in the reserves. It was the wrong attitude. I could have trained for myself, so when I got the chance I was ready. I didn't do that. I was just training and going home. That was just a waste of time. That's why Wigan is a closed book.

Everyone can criticize me. I don't listen to them.

I have been criticized lots of times but I don't care. It makes me even stronger.

I am not even worried about the critics.

I've played two years in the Premier League, and I think I've shown everyone what I'm capable of.

I have been at Chelsea for a lot of years. I have played in the Premier League, the Champions League, it is a kid's dream to play for Chelsea. I have moved on, who knows I might one day go back to Chelsea.

I've always played left-back and I'm an established defender so that is the focus for me in games.

If you don't have ambitions then you're not a football player.

It is always good to be linked with big clubs like Juventus. It is a sign that I am in a good way.

Vitesse was my hometown club. They helped me in my career. It was Vitesse who helped me get in to the national team squad in the first place, even if I didn't make the World Cup.

Ideally, you want to play games, and you don't want to train every day without the matches.

I was 16 and went straight into the reserves. I had to adapt to the language, adapt to a new country, adapt to a style of play, all with new team-mates. All those kind of things were in my head and it was very hard.

I grew up in a family of six. Four sisters, one brother.

I moved to England at a young age so it was different, unlike other Dutch players as I had to get used to a different culture.

I'm a defender and that's what I will always look to do first. If you do that right then the other things will be easier, but my job is to defend and that's what I'll focus on more than anything.

I enjoyed my time at Newcastle and it was a very good experience for me to be involved at such a big club.

I could have stayed at Chelsea, signed a new contract, but I chose to go different ways.

I wanted to be a centre back but I was always stepping over the ball and playing one-twos.

I want my children to have a normal life and not face racism and their children's children.