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.
Diego Forlan
Players should get the best deals for themselves whenever they can. Football is a relatively short career.
I will never play in England again, but I still actually look back with fond memories at some moments.
If nerves undo you, then you're unlikely to make it as a top footballer.
Systems, coaches, and directors or club presidents do not win games - players do, they are the only people who can make a significant difference once that game starts.
As a footballer, it can be enjoyable to do a proper interview where you trust the journalist to reproduce your thoughts.
I've played as a lone striker and enjoyed it, especially if you have good supporting players around you. But a full season by myself? That would be hard.
I love the Copa America. It showcases all the classic rivalries of South America, all those neighbours, up against each other.
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.
The Japanese people and their country left a huge impression on my wife and I, and we found it difficult to say goodbye before moving back to South America.
People have high expectations of me, and I want to fulfil them.
I try to see the positive side of things.
I have never been at a club where the players talked so much about a previous manager as they did about Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
Milan is beautiful, and the Interista fans are even more so.
I have a career, and I deserve respect.
I'm friendly - I've never changed - but some people can be intimidated to approach you, especially younger footballers.
Football has allowed me to see the world, and in Paz, I have a wife who is keen to see the world with me.
I played 112 times for Uruguay and experienced some of the greatest moments in my life representing my country.
I had wanted to play for Penarol since I was a boy. When I was young, I would go to their training ground, but at 18, I left Uruguay for Argentina, and my professional career started.
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.
Uruguay is a small country but with a lot of football history. We've won so many things, and so the people are always expecting us to do good things.
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.
Competition keeps you young. It motivates you. It challenges your ego. Messi and Ronaldo have this with each other.
It is easy to criticize me from behind a pen or a microphone, from someone who never set foot on a football field.
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.
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.
My best years were 2010 and 2011, and the 2010 World Cup was the most incredible experience. Our tiny nation reached the semi-finals, I finished joint-top scorer in South Africa, and my goal against Germany was voted the best of the tournament. I was also named the best player of that World Cup.
The best strikers make you sit up and take notice because every time they get the ball, you think that something amazing could happen. Of course they'll score goals, but they'll have something in their game which makes you think, 'Wow, he can win this game by doing something magical.'
Italy won the world title in 2006 and went out in the group phase in 2010 and 2014. They didn't make it beyond the first round. You don't win things because of your history, the shirt, or the names on the teamsheet.
Two English defenders were among the finest I played against: John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
My compatriot Diego Godin is one of the best defenders in the world, good enough to play for any team in any league.
'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.
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.
I try to go through my life not owing anything to anyone.
I was very young at Manchester United, and I feel that I was just starting to find my feet when I was sold and Rooney was brought in.
Ancelotti is one of the best coaches and has proved this by winning trophies.
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.
We are just lucky to be able to watch Ronaldo and Messi at their best.
You never know for sure whether a player will adapt to a new country until he gets there.
During my career, I've have a lot of satisfaction, but I miss the Champions League. I'd like to win it with Inter.
Luis Suarez is one of the best players in the national team - and in the world, in fact.
Time moves on for everyone.
2010 was a magical year and was unforgettable.
As soon as Jose Mourinho was given the job, I knew that he was the right man for Manchester United.
I'd be happy to play in Sao Paulo. It would be a dream; that would be very exciting.
I try to do my best both on and off the pitch, giving a good image in my behaviour.
Playing a World Cup is spectacular.
Although I will not always play well, I always give everything on the pitch.
I am very happy here at Atletico, and I want to bring the same kind of joy to all the fans.
A player always comes on to the pitch to give their best, and I cannot be criticized for my commitment, only for my performances.
