Messi is the real deal when it comes to Number 10s. He represents a type of football that transcends borders.

I'm the leading scorer in the cup, and that's lovely, but don't forget this is also a great moment for the whole squad, when the two things coincide you can't ask for more.

Messi on the World Cup 2014? He showed why he is the best player in the world. It was a pleasure to see him play.

No color will ever be brighter for me than black and white.

I have cried twice in my life watching a football player the first one was Maradona and the second was Ryan Giggs.

Italy have plenty of high-quality players. Newcomers need time to get adjusted to the set-up and the system of play. I'm very young, and although I think I have shown good quality in my international games, I realise that there are plenty of others competing for places.

Luckily, thanks to the way my parents taught me, I think I can handle the fame in the right manner.

As captain, I must always be an example to my team-mates. I'm calm and I don't have any problem with the coach or with the club. My only goal is to be ready whenever I have the opportunity to play.

A true gentleman never leaves his lady.

Only two players made me cry when watching football, one was Diego Maradona and the other Ryan Giggs.

Money is not everything. My ambition was football itself, not the money I'd make from it. If that brings me and my family a more comfortable lifestyle, then that's fine. But I don't spend my time between games and training sessions thinking about figures.

Had I found the back of the net it would have been a double satisfaction but I've scored many goals and the important thing was for me to play well.