Andrew Flintoff

“I remember, when Paul Collingwood first came into the dressing room, we did everything together. We practised together, trained together, had dinner together; we batted together and did well in games together - we were thick as thieves. When he got established, he just binned me.”

“With the cricket, I knew what I was doing - to a degree.”

“A lot of kids don't get the chance to play sport.”

“As a cricketer, I played on bravado and character. My personality was bound up with how I played the game.”

“I've been to a lot of places to play cricket, but cricket and training get in the way! In India, all you see is the hotel and the cricket ground.”

“They're strange, the Aussies. Because if they like you, they say, 'Oh, he's an Aussie.' And I keep saying, 'I'm not, I'm from Preston.' There's nothing Australian about me. Don't start claiming me just because I've got a job over here.”

“I have been called a man of many talents, but I like to keep a few of those talents hidden.”

“I'm gradually getting rid of all the things I don't need.”

“I like the look of all-rounder Ben Stokes. I usually have no interest in comparing new players with myself, but there are some interesting parallels here.”

“I've never been - and never will be - someone who 'plays the game' with people.”

“I enjoy playing Test cricket, especially against India in India.”

“I've seen material competitiveness destroy relationships in dressing rooms. People end up worrying about what someone else is earning and whether they're missing out.”

“I don't suck up to anyone or do any of that. I point-blank refuse. I just hate it.”

“I always wanted to captain the teams I played in.”

“I want to be the world's number one one-day player; I want to win a World Cup, win the championship with Lancashire - those are my motivations.”

“Maybe it's the sportsman in me, but if it is going to be television, I want to be the best I can be.”

“The Ashes have been hard, but you take the accolades when they come along.”

“Old Trafford - as a cricket ground, I love playing there. It's a second home for me; I've been going there since I was young. It just feels right there.”

“I had time with my family, which was great, but I am a cricketer, and once that was taken away from me, it was as though part of me wasn't there.”

“It annoys me when I phone a hotel receptionist in my own country, and they don't understand what I am saying because they don't speak English. I think that's wrong. It's nothing to do with being politically correct or incorrect; it's just not right.”