Athlete

The Hawthorns has a good atmosphere, like many of the Premier League stadiums.

For me the French team belongs to the past.

The club must come first.

I know the French mentality.

I was sixteen when I converted to Islam. Beyond the fraternal aspect, my conversion did not change my life. I was already living by the same principles - being righteous, having values.

As a player you just concentrate on your game.

When you have been coached by Ancelotti and other greats, it's hard to be coached by Domenech!

I helped Real win their eighth Champions League title. I'm proud of that.

The jobs of manager and director of football are too big for one individual - this I realised very quickly.

I was very young when I was with Real Madrid and in some ways 'appreciated it and in others I didn't.

A lot of youngsters want to be footballers and a lot dont make it. It is very difficult but if your education is good and you work hard and do everything the best way, then why not?

The one thing I can tell you is that I can't stand the English press, who cause me enormous problems on a personal level.

I have a very English coaching philosophy.

In your career, you can't always be at the top.

In football there are lots of origins, cultures, religions and no one feels left out. We all play together and we are all friends. Supporters see that and feel part of the same family, especially in England where you feel very welcome.

When you play for a team like Chelsea you will have to fight for your place.

I would be very happy if my career ended the way it started.

I'm not going on the pitch just to score goals, I am going on there first to win and to play well and then, if I have the chance to score as well, that's even better.

Shanghai is Asia's New York.

When I left Arsenal, it was because I had done everything there and a big club like Real Madrid wanted me and even David Beckham couldn't turn them down.