I got scouted at six by Everton. My parents said it was maybe a bit too young. A year later, I went down to trials at Everton and have been there ever since.
Jack Rodwell
The player I look up to is Rio Ferdinand. I have always played at the back, and I've always tried to base my game on his.
It is effectively a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved, and the chance to win an Olympic medal would be amazing.
If Manchester United come knocking, you can't turn that down.
Every time I step on to the pitch, I give my all.
I've played all over, to be honest. Centre-half, defensive midfield, attacking midfield.
Obviously, the Champions League and Premier League are the biggies, and obviously, if you could win any, it would be one of those two.
At the end of the day, we love playing football, so that is the main thing. I am doing something that I really love to do. It is a job, but it is a hobby as well.
You have to go 100 per cent and be confident in your body.
David Moyes works you really hard, but he's also a fair manager as well.
When you're out for a week here and there, it sets you back, and you're out of the team.
England Under 16, Under 17, Under 18, I played centre-half. But back then, David Moyes thought it was difficult to throw a 16-year-old in there. There was a big hype around me. He wanted me to fulfil my potential; he wanted to get me in as early as possible.
To play in the white shirt of England is an honour, and you give your all every time you step on the pitch.
I'm a great believer in my ability, but I've not had the chance to prove it.
You always want to test yourself at a high level, and I would be proud to represent Great Britain.
To be honest, from England Under-16s, through the 17s and 18s, really all the way through my youth career, I played at centre-half. For some reason, when I made my debut at Everton, I just played in central midfield, and it went from there.
I've played at centre-half plenty of times before.
Eventually, I think I'll probably end up at centre-half. By the time I get to 28 or 29, I imagine I'll be a defender.
I have been playing box-to-box more for Everton as a two, so I have felt comfortable in that position, but anywhere across the midfield I can play.
I vaguely remember the 1998 World Cup. Michael Owen scored; I remember watching that.
There's been a lot come through at Everton: Wayne Rooney, obviously, and lately, Victor Anichebe has made it, James Vaughan, and the likes of myself.
I just want to do the best I can, which means hopefully play for the full England side one day and carry on playing well for Everton.
I've been at Man City and won the league. I've played for England. I've had success and good times - just not enough for someone of my ability.
Blackburn is a club which has won the Premier League before, and it doesn't get bigger or better than that.
There have been ups and downs over the years, but that's in the past, and now I'm just looking forward and focussed on the future ahead.
It's mentally hard. There are times when you're set back again, and you don't know what to do.
I'm not saying I'm never going to get injured again; that's just impossible.
When you're on the pitch, you can't think about what the fans are thinking.
I'm a footballer; I want a football club.
I joined Sunderland, a great club, to be successful, to feel at home again. It hasn't worked out, but that's not through lack of effort.
A lot is made of my injuries and yes, I've had niggles and muscle problems. Some managers haven't picked me, and my form has played a part at times as well.
I do believe I'm a Premier League player, and I do believe I'm an England international when I'm fit and on form.
What I've been missing in my career is 30 back-to-back games and getting a good run of form and confidence.
International football is different to the Premier League.
I believe I could be a good centre-half.
In my first season after Mancini signed me, I was injured a lot, but when I was fit, he did play me.
I believe that whatever squad I join, I can add to it. It might take some time, but that's what I'm there for.
I've had a lot of injuries.
I played in the Under 18s when I was 14, then the reserves at 15, and then the first team.
At first it was a bit surreal playing in the Premier League at 16, coming up against world-class players, because it had always been my dream. But quickly, it becomes second nature to you.
I'm a strong person, and when I am not in the team, I can motivate myself to keep focused and be prepared for when I get called on.
Phil Neville has been great in terms of the pointers he has given me.
I've not got a bad word to say about City. If they want you and sign you, then they have got intent for you.
I was not guaranteed a starting place at Everton. I had a lot of injuries. Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellaini were in form, so it was a push for me to get in that side.
I was at Everton from the age seven. Being there 14 years meant any move was going to be big.
I changed my car completely - I was in a sports car and changed to a Jeep, which is more stable for the back and doesn't put too much stress on it.
It's been frustrating for me, as I've been injured a lot, but hopefully, I can get more fitness and get time on the pitch.
When you sign for a new club, you just want to play, and when injury stops you, it is frustrating.
The transfer deadline can be a distraction if you allow it to be.
As a kid, I always dreamed of making my senior debut.
