I like every game to matter, to feel like we must win.
— Diego Forlan
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.'
I'd never thought of going to Japan, but the J-League came to me, and I could see that they wanted me to be part of the project. In the beginning, they said, 'We have two or three teams for you, although we cannot say which ones at the moment, but we want you as a player, as everything.'
Retiring from international football was a personal decision, and I was very sure about what I was doing. I played for my country for more than ten years, and there were highs and lows. It was a fantastic experience, though, and the most wonderful thing is that it ended well.
My father played for Sao Paulo for several years. I played in Brazil, too, and made a lot of friends there.
I feel I have nothing to prove at all, my scoring rate in La Liga speaks for itself.
There are games when you do well, and others that go differently.
Football has allowed me to see the world, and in Paz, I have a wife who is keen to see the world with me.
Other Brazilians who've gone to Europe haven't always settled so quickly. Neymar has.
Courtois was rated highly enough by Chelsea to go back and replace Petr Cech, one of the best goalkeepers of modern times. He has lived up to his reputation.
Football is a really simple game, and the most important thing, in any formation, is that the players do their jobs, not the formation which they play in.
It is easy to criticize me from behind a pen or a microphone, from someone who never set foot on a football field.
Although I will not always play well, I always give everything on the pitch.
I try to do my best both on and off the pitch, giving a good image in my behaviour.
As soon as Jose Mourinho was given the job, I knew that he was the right man for Manchester United.
Luis Suarez is one of the best players in the national team - and in the world, in fact.
We are just lucky to be able to watch Ronaldo and Messi at their best.
Every player loves to score goals, but hat-tricks should be savoured, as they don't happen very often.
There were great players at United, and I just didn't have the chance to play, which was fair. It was difficult getting into the team, that's all.
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.
We're a small country, and if you look at it that way, then we're at a disadvantage, though I know that most of the players who know or have come up against Uruguayans prefer to avoid us.
Atletico players have always been characterised by this kind of player in attack like Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa, and Radamel Falcao.
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.
With a good start, players can relax a bit more and aren't so anxious throughout the season.
I wake up at 7 A.M. each morning and work out with a personal trainer.
I have huge respect for Porto, a great club that's always in the hunt for titles, but they aren't Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
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.
Milan is beautiful, and the Interista fans are even more so.
I have a career, and I deserve respect.
Playing a World Cup is spectacular.
I try to go through my life not owing anything to anyone.
2010 was a magical year and was unforgettable.
During my career, I've have a lot of satisfaction, but I miss the Champions League. I'd like to win it with Inter.
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.
Argentina produces great footballers, but Uruguay does the same.
Winning the Europa League with Atletico Madrid and then reaching a semi-final of the World Cup is great.
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.
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.
I will never play in England again, but I still actually look back with fond memories at some moments.
There are no logical answers in football. That's just the way it goes.
I keep really fit.
It was a privilege to enjoy the national team and be part of a group that gave so much to our country, wear the shirt with great people.
It is only natural that the years pass, and after consecutive matches, you feel more and more tired, but it is normal.
All of the usual formations have advantages and disadvantages, but none would work without the magic of the players.
A player always comes on to the pitch to give their best, and I cannot be criticized for my commitment, only for my performances.
I am very happy here at Atletico, and I want to bring the same kind of joy to all the fans.
I try to see the positive side of things.
I'd be happy to play in Sao Paulo. It would be a dream; that would be very exciting.
Time moves on for everyone.
You never know for sure whether a player will adapt to a new country until he gets there.
