Demba Ba

“We believe in the people of San Diego.”

“When you work, you always get to where you want to go.”

“My behaviour in the past wasn't too bad. But let's say it was not in keeping with the Islamic faith's demands. Nightclubs, for example. People tell me it's not a big deal if I go to them - but I don't do it any more.”

“I had always worked to get to a club like Chelsea and start winning some trophies and doing what I have got to do.”

“I don't care what religion you are, you cannot say 'I accept certain things but I reject others.' That's not the right behaviour.”

“I know what I'm able to do and I've proved it at every club I've played for.”

“When I go to the movie theater, I want to get emotion from the actors in the movie.”

“Standing behind your players is a sign of respect.”

“When I played in Belgium, Germany and England, their cultures were similar, more or less, because these clubs are all in Europe.”

“I've played football since I was seven - but loved basketball. Cire, who is one of six brothers, always played in the top two divisions in France. At the age of 15, I started having football trials. And, when I compared myself to other players, I thought, 'why them and not me?'”

“When I joined Newcastle, at the beginning it was difficult. During pre-season, there was no Ramadan and I also didn't score then. So it's a myth. It was about getting into the team, knowing the players better and how they play. My team-mates also have to understand how I play and move.”

“The first time I spoke to Avram Grant, my first question was about his conception of football. He gave me his answer and it was a good point.”

“After playing for several European clubs including Chelsea I opted to come to Shanghai. I wanted to see new things here, to get to know the Chinese people.”

“When you play good and people say that you have been terrific and you have been playing good football, that's something that stays and builds you and your confidence.”

“At the end of the day, I have a lot of ideas. I cannot give them to clubs I play for because they have their own ideas - their own sporting directors, their own general managers - of what they want to do. When you have your own ideas, the only way you can execute them is to get a club yourself.”

“Rennes wanted me at one point, but in France they have a problem - they don't like taking risks. But if you don't take risks, you don't get anywhere. You pass by the periphery of many things, like life and football.”

“He always told me I'd score goals; Alan Pardew gives me a lot of confidence.”

“Whenever you join a club you look at the schedule to see when you can play the team you left.”

“When you have the chance to play for Chelsea, you have to take it.”

“At West Ham there were a couple of French players and they helped me get used to the team and the club.”