Alan Shearer

“The fans have what they want. They want entertainment, they want passion and they want commitment.”

“Some players are criticised for having no loyalty. Well, I wanted to go back home and play for the club I supported. I don't think that's a crime.”

“When I was a young boy I wanted to play for Newcastle United, I wanted to wear the number nine shirt and I wanted to score goals at St James' Park. I've lived my dream and I realise how lucky I've been to have done that.”

“I always practise penalties, but what people don't understand is that you can never recreate that pressure situation that you're under.”

“I didn't watch cartoons, I was too busy playing football.”

“Whenever I have any spare time I have a game of golf.”

“I have had interviews and got close to taking a managerial job. I would consider going back into football.”

“The managers are getting paid very well by their respective clubs to do a job for their clubs not the country they are working in.”

“I don't watch a lot of TV, to be honest. With three kids I have my hands full.”

“I hope I never have to face that feeling of missing and sending my country or team out of a competition.”

“I still get butterflies when England are playing.”

“We go there with confidence, but we know there is a very fine line between success and failure in this game.”

“It doesn't matter that I didn't win a trophy because I did it my way and I lived the dream.”

“Somewhere along the line you've got to do your apprenticeship. But I'd want half a chance of being successful at it.”

“I miss walking out of the tunnel, the 90 minutes and the adrenalin rush that I'll never, ever replace.”

“At times they don't like you to kick them and they feel you're not allowed to kick them.”

“Sometimes going in for a hard tackle generates a louder cheer than a great pass.”

“Regrets? None at all.”

“One accusation you can't throw at me is that I've always done my best.”

“There are not many times when I get nervous, but I do a little bit with penalties.”