Footballer

There are over 1.5 billion Muslims throughout the world, starting from Mecca in the desert from one person. What made them successful? It's because they had guidelines that they followed.

There are over 1.5 billion Muslims throughout the world, starting from Mecca in the desert from one person. What made them successful? It's because they had guidelines that they followed.

I just want to have good performances and score goals - that's what makes me happy.

I just loved kicking a ball but I was determined to be a footballer and I wanted a professional contract, I would go to any professional club to get one. From 15, all I wanted was to be a footballer.

I do not have to whine about missing the chance to play in a World Cup.

The first time I spoke to Avram Grant, my first question was about his conception of football. He gave me his answer and it was a good point.

I enjoyed my time at West ham, scored a few goals there but was bitterly disappointed when we were relegated.

The first image I have of club owners is that the club is one of their toys and they do what they want and they lose a lot of money and they just don't care about who's working in it.

My former agent introduced me to darts by saying it was a game that would be a lot of fun. He knew I had to concentrate on hitting three 20s or a double or a treble - as this is a target you must achieve. Your mind is focused on accuracy. And it's the same in football, where I must strike the ball just to the right or left of a post.

Being a young kid from the hood in Paris, growing up in poverty and then scoring the goal that took Chelsea to the Champions League semi-finals, that felt like a great achievement.

At West Ham there were a couple of French players and they helped me get used to the team and the club.

Rennes wanted me at one point, but in France they have a problem - they don't like taking risks. But if you don't take risks, you don't get anywhere. You pass by the periphery of many things, like life and football.

I have always worked hard to deserve what I have.

Sometimes I just like to be powerful.

When you work, you always get to where you want to go.

You know when you go to a club and you are a striker, that the people expect you to score some goals. That's what I'm trying to do, every game.

I had no doubts I wanted to be a footballer because that was the only option.

People sometimes have a bad image of Islam but that is an image of what people are doing with Islam.

We all have different causes that touch us emotionally and I believe anybody should fight for a cause they believe in. I'm a Muslim, I'm African, so certain causes will affect me more than they do other people.

My behaviour in the past wasn't too bad. But let's say it was not in keeping with the Islamic faith's demands. Nightclubs, for example. People tell me it's not a big deal if I go to them - but I don't do it any more.