Clint Dempsey

“I'm a kid from Nacogdoches.”

“It's a compliment that people think that I'm a good player. I remember when people didn't think I was good. And I remember being a rookie coming into the league with a big chip on my shoulder trying to prove myself.”

“Maybe the law don't always handle things, but that doesn't mean things don't get handled.”

“You always wanna make sure that you're not burnt out. But I feel like I've been able to find the right balance of still staying fresh in games and still being able to be productive.”

“It was frustrating when the managers would change; you'd go to the bench and try to work your way back into the team. But it makes you stronger.”

“In life, you're going to have things that are going to come up against you. You can either let it get to you, or you can make something happen.”

“The only way you're going to make it is to have a hunger for success and a will to win. That's something that's always pushed me.”

“I'll just say this one: on each my shinguards, I'll kiss them before I put them on, and I'll put the names of the people I've loved and lost to remind myself that life is short and to take advantage of the opportunity.”

“My parents were crazy. They just wanted to do everything they could for their kids.”

“The Cottage was one of my favourite stadiums to play in. It was such an intimate atmosphere, and I've just got so many great memories of playing there.”

“When you see that your kids are proud of you, that they're excited to wear your jersey and cheer you on, it doesn't get better.”

“I like scoring against everybody.”

“I would like to thank all of the fans who have supported me throughout my career with the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham, Seattle Sounders, and the U.S. Men's National Team. Y'all have always made me feel at home, and it is something that I will always remember.”

“It's always kind of a weird thing when you come back from an injury, especially with your heart.”

“For a number of years, I struggled and put distance between God and me. But He was faithful and patient and provided gradual healing and strength.”

“That's all I'm programmed for: to keep pushing and to try to make the most of my career and my life, to take care of my family.”

“You always have to stay motivated and try to make the most of where you're at.”

“There's no extra significance on beating a certain player. It's kind of like golf. You're just out there playing, and whatever ends up happening ends up happening.”

“My parents worked very hard for everything that they got. Their parents worked hard. It's just something that is passed down to you, and whatever you want to accomplish, you have to work hard to get it, and that's always been that mentality that my family has, and I think that's something that was passed on to me.”