I wake up every morning new, free as a bird.
Ashley Cole
A lot of people judge others too quickly without actually knowing the full facts or the actual real person.
I don't do things to try and get publicity or anything like that.
I just love football. I've always enjoyed doing it - being outside with my mates, getting really muddy and dirty and smelly. It's something I always loved.
I don't really like seeing myself on TV doing interviews.
Of course I'm a winner. I always want to win.
I'm so lucky to have had the career I've had and play with so many amazing players.
I've been to so many beautiful countries and never got the chance to see them.
I don't think it's my personality to be going around telling people what I'm doing.
Of course you don't want to hear racist chants, but sometimes, as a player, you have to take it.
I do not fear the pressure to win because I spent 14 years in England always fighting for a starting spot, and that's what I want to continue doing.
I have made mistakes and just have to live with it, but at the end of the day, I just want to play football.
People may say we got engaged too quickly or too young, but sometimes you just know it is right. That's how it is with Cheryl. I don't want anyone else.
I'm proud, privileged, and overwhelmed by how many times I've played for England.
At the end of the day, I'm human. I'm English - I was born here. Of course I'm a different colour from you, but I'm still human. The main thing is, I'm human - like everyone else. Because I'm a different colour doesn't mean there is a difference.
I've played 100 caps for England, for my country. Being the first black player, I think, is amazing.
I watch football sometimes at home, but in my downtime, I play pool with my friends. Darts - I enjoy darts now, and when there is a game not coming up, I enjoy playing golf as well. I'm not very good at golf, but I enjoy being able to relax.
I have been able to fulfil nearly all my ambitions at Chelsea. I have won the Champions League, the League, I have won FA Cups here, but you don't want to stop winning trophies, and being at a big club, you are always fighting to win a trophy.
As players, whenever the manager gets the sack, you have to look in the mirror and say it's not always the manager. It's down to the players.
A good coach is good in the management of his men; he gives all of his players the desire to fight until the last.
I'm definitely playing the best football of my time at Chelsea.
When I used to see things in the newspapers, going onto the pitch was the best way to get away from it.
I have been lucky to win trophies. That is my aim.
As players, you never make one trophy a priority.
It happens in football: you are loved one day and hated the next.
I'm a normal person. I'm just like you and just like everyone else - I have feelings and thoughts.
You just want to play. You don't think about the money, how many followers you've got on Instagram. You just want to make it. You don't understand the demands, how intense it is at times - the scrutiny you're going to get.
People talk about what I did in my private life more than if I'm good at football. 'Oh yeah, he was good, but I don't like him because of this.' But you don't know me! Know me as a footballer.
I could look back and say I've had a good career.
I don't like to speak. I like to keep myself to myself - quiet.
I'd like to be a scout, go watch the games, and try and find a diamond in the rough.
My best memory was probably scoring a penalty against Manchester United.
To be honest, I don't think I've played bad for England, I've certainly not been as bad as some people say. That criticism has been hard to take. I don't think I've let the country down too many times.
When you're growing up and thinking about being a footballer, you want to make as many caps and play as many games as you can.
To win the Premier League proves you are a top team.
When you come out and know you're singing the national anthem, it gives you a buzz and gets you lifted for the game.
English players are probably scared to come abroad. They are in a comfort zone in England: that's where we grew up; that's where we played in youth teams.
Judge me on how I play football, or judge me on when you meet me.
I don't look too far ahead, to be honest.
All I can do is try to show people that I can play well and try to change their opinion.
No players want to hear their own fans booing the players, booing the team, but football is a hard game, and you can't win everything.
I've got the chance to make history, and that means such a lot to me.
Of course I've done stupid things in my career, and I do always seem to be in the paper, but I hate seeing myself.
I'm not a diva, I'm not an egotistical guy that comes and thinks he's bigger than anyone.
When you've got certain people like Jay-Z wanting to work with me, then it makes you think people do love me.
I love Chelsea. I've been here seven years now, and I'd love to stay here as long as I can.
When I first came to Chelsea, I couldn't kick the ball, and it was pointless, me playing, really. But I tried to play through the pain for the manager who bought me.
I want to continue to win things, hopefully something with England, and if I can score the winning goal at the World Cup, then maybe they will like me again.
I've not just played for England. I've done it for all the black players out there - to prove that they can do it.
I just play my football, and if I can help people, then I help people.
