My parents were very strict and had rules for me and, if ever I was playing outside, I always had a set time to come back in.

They used to have selection days for all the local kids and I went to these trials three times and got turned down every time. On the third time I was so upset because I thought I was not good enough. I was eight years old and I had the feeling, 'That's it, I don't want to play for Ajax any more!'

I used to play as a striker in Holland. I grew up as a striker. That's the position I want to play.

Ryan Babel Quotes