Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift.
Whether it’s a friendly match, or for points, or a final, or any game – I play the same. I’m always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans, and to try and win.
Barcelona is my home and I hope that I stay here for many years.
My ambition is always to get better and better.
Many years ago when I first started my career Maradona told me “to enjoy and play as you know”, and that’s stayed with me ever since and is the best advice I’ve been given.
I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I’m not enjoying it, I will leave football.
It takes sacrifice as well as talent.
There are more important things in life than winning or losing a game.
I used to serve tea at a shop to support my football training.
When it comes to being badass, nothing beats this: It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.
Every year I try to grow as a player and not get stuck in a rut. I try to improve my game in every way possible. But that trait is not something I’ve worked on, it’s part of me.
Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win.
I would pass onto any young player to enjoy your football, play your football as you want to play the game, try and enjoy it and make the most of it.
Ronaldo was my hero. I loved watching players like Zidane, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, but Ronaldo was the best striker I’ve ever seen. He was so fast he could score from nothing and could shoot the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen.
It’s not so easy for us when we play teams who have a different mindset, like Chelsea or Inter Milan, because they have the intention of trying to stop us rather than playing a game that is more attractive for the spectators to enjoy.
Nah, I’ve always had a great relationship with my two brothers, I have always had their support in my football and in everything. They’ve been very close to me and we have a great relationship.
Give the opponents more than one reason to stare at your feet.
Goals are only important if they win games.
In football as in watchmaking, talent and elegance mean nothing without rigour and precision.
I’m lucky to be part of a team who help to make me look good, and they deserve as much of the credit for my success as I do for the hard work we have all put in on the training ground.