Ryan Babel

“Not everybody is following every league in the world so the Champions League is a platform where everybody can see what you're still able to do.”

“If there isn't a team that plays my type of game I don't think I could make a big difference. I have to be realistic.”

“If you are 20 you don't have the same life experiences as at 25.”

“To be a supersub is mentally hard.”

“Those types of players are always necessary in a team, who are very creative and can break a game open.”

“Moving to Liverpool was a new world for me. I had been living with my parents in Holland, and all of a sudden I was living in a foreign country on my own.”

“I've done so much in my career but a little part of me feels I still have unfinished business here in the Premier League.”

“I think the 20-year-old me from that time, if I could have been managed under Jurgen Klopp, I'd have benefitted.”

“In Holland, you can step into the manager's office and ask him for clarity if you don't know why you're not playing and they are open with you.”

“Liverpool is my club. I try to follow every game. I still support them, I wish them all the best.”

“I used to play as a striker in Holland. I grew up as a striker. That's the position I want to play.”

“Scoring a goal is always wonderful and gives any player confidence.”

“We can't all be Lionel Messi, even if we want to.”

“When I left Liverpool, I could have stayed in England but that would have meant joining clubs that didn't play football - just a long-ball game.”

“I know Robin van Persie very well and he is a great person and I have a lot of contact with him over the phone and text messages.”

“I like to explore the world.”

“Turkish people are very emotional, very passionate about football, really want to see their team do well.”

“I have played for Ajax, Liverpool and Besiktas in Turkey - all massive clubs in Europe.”

“I came from Ajax where you play 4-3-3 and as a winger they didn't want you to defend.”

“My feeling about Al Ain was very positive, was very good, and if my feeling wasn't like that I would never have come.”