I always loved watching the Champions League, growing up.

When I was growing up, I was focused on football and school.

No matter how good you are, your mentality has got to be right. A lot of young players, that's where they go wrong, and that's what I've always seen when I was growing up - players who are almost there but couldn't quite get there because the mentality wasn't right.

I feel I have been very lucky. When you are growing up, you have dreams of being a footballer, perhaps even playing for the club you support, and I am living that dream.

I wasn't the brightest kid, not by a long shot. I was interested in football, in girls, in getting my work done with the least amount of effort.

The Premier League is more physically demanding than Ligue 1. I love English football; it's the best in the world in my opinion, and I hope to stay here for many years to come.

I gave everything I had to basketball. The passion is still there, but the desire to play is not. It was a great ride.

When I was in high school, I wasn't thinking about getting a scholarship. I was thinking about trying to go and dominate. Same thing in college. I just have to focus on playing the best football I can.