Gareth Barry

“I've got three brothers and two sisters. Dad was a plumber who worked really hard to support six children, and Mum was busy at home. The four brothers shared a room, a bunk bed on each side. It wasn't luxurious.”

“I feel very lucky that I'm left-footed because the number of us around is very small.”

“Steven Gerrard - at his peak, he was outstanding both attacking and defensively.”

“The way you adapt and play against different teams and different styles is going to be important.”

“You don't see too many attacking flair players continuing until their mid-30s at a high level.”

“As a player, you always want to play - it would be wrong to say otherwise - but you can always understand the manager's reasons if he decides to leave you out.”

“Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.”

“I made my mind up that I want to continue playing as long as I can.”

“Sometimes you want to experience life, but ultimately, you've got to make sacrifices and choose the right road.”

“I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes; they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here.”

“I feel at Manchester City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.”

“At the World Cup, it's the very top level. It's going to be tougher.”

“I used to say I preferred midfield because I enjoy trying to make goals, and scoring is a buzz.”

“Sometimes you're just not in the manager's thoughts.”

“I'm desperate to play Champions League football, and that's why I have to leave Villa.”

“Any great club needs the mentality to go on and achieve things - it is what clubs like United have.”

“Burn-out can be an issue if you are playing too many games.”

“Any crowd that gets on your back makes it difficult, but you are going to get that if things aren't going well. The fans have got their right to give their opinion.”

“It's nice hearing your team-mates wanting you to stay.”

“When somebody mentioned yoga for the first time, I just looked at it and thought, 'This isn't for me; it's for an older woman down at the health club trying to get supple.' But I thought, 'No, I can see the benefits there. I've got to embrace it.'”