I was born on January 28, 1978, the same day as Buffon.

My wife never went to many Liverpool games but if she was out on a Saturday, she would always ask someone for the score. If we had won, she'd simply be relieved that I would be coming home in a good mood.

The pressure from within used to have an impact on my behaviour. If games had gone badly, I would take things home with me. I'd be snappy at my kids and felt constantly wound up.

There were players who could leave the result at Anfield, but me? No chance. I got involved in the running of two restaurants in Liverpool to take my mind off football but, before the opening night of each one, I'd played badly. It meant I couldn't enjoy the party. It felt like I had to punish myself.

People talk about managers having certain styles and philosophies... well, Benitez manages by conflict. Look right through his career and you will see it everywhere.

Liverpool is no different to any other city in the country for footballers. If you are famous and people know you have money, there will always be someone who wants to make a name for themselves.

We are not a nation who has ever produced No 10s prolifically. When I was growing up, attacks consisted of a big man-little man combination, with two midfielders sitting behind.

I only missed nine Premier League games from a possible 228 between August 2004 and May 2010.

I've never blown my own trumpet over my ability but it took an awful lot to stop me getting on the pitch.

I never wanted anybody to think that I deliberately hurt opponents. The vast majority of players are the same.

When the tone needs to be set and the crowd need to be revved up, nothing is better than a big, shuddering tackle.

Xabi embraced life in Liverpool.

When I think of Xabi, my mind goes back to the first training session he had at Melwood in August 2004. And the same word always leaps out: wow! Rafa Benitez had talked him up before he arrived and immediately you understood.

This is Leicester City. They are a yo-yo club and always have been.

Medals were - and always will be - the best thing to show your accomplishments in football.

The buzz we had in 2000-01 was unique. We played 34 matches between January 1 and May 19, but lost only four.

In some ways, trying to win cups is more fraught than trying to win the league, as one really bad night and everything comes crashing down.

Compared to other clubs, what we've achieved under Gerard Houllier is exceptional.

Managers are never appreciated when they're in the job.

Not playing for Liverpool would hurt me more than not playing for England.

Centre-back takes more out of you mentally than physically.

I'm always trying to improve.

The captain at international level has to be someone who is one of the first names on the team sheet, someone who has the respect of the other players and someone who has good leadership qualities.

We want to play a full year, July to July, because that will mean we've been successful.