Demba Ba

“I have always worked hard to deserve what I have.”

“Football can bring out the best and worst in people.”

“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.”

“Where I am from, being able to play in the Champions League is an achievement in itself.”

“Alan Pardew is a very good coach and is doing very well at Newcastle. He is very thorough in his preparation for games and makes sure we all know our roles on the pitch.”

“Something which is easy for me to give is money. I feel detached from it. I look after myself and my family but I won't forget people who struggle. My father lives in Senegal. They are from the smaller villages and know how to distribute money to people who need it.”

“I won't let myself be pushed around.”

“You know, I love football and I like to represent my country.”

“As long as I'm having fun, I'm happy.”

“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.”

“I have faith in my ability to score, and also create goals for others too.”

“Arsenal are one of those teams who makes you dream.”

“There are always communicative problems when you play football. It is part of the game. It is a problem you need to solve.”

“I am a good professional and I keep fighting for what I have.”

“I am from the bottom, so if I go back to the bottom I haven't lost anything.”

“Sometimes I just like to be powerful.”

“I had to find a way of dealing with not starting matches, but when you don't play and you're surrounded by players who do, the negativity comes.”

“Some people have many options but for me football was my only option, so I gave everything.”

“It's important for a player to win a trophy.”

“English people have a great sense of humour.”