From Robbie Keane professing his love for yet another club he idolised as a boy, to VVS Laxman giving batsmen around the world something to look forward to, it’s the quotes of the week.
“I can cry like Roger. It’s just a shame I can’t play like him.” — Scotland’s Andy Murray wears his heart on his sleeve after losing out to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final.
“As you grow older you enjoy the victories even more, you try to savour them as long as possible. Because you never know when it could be your last, even though I’m sure I have much more left in me.” — Federer does his bit to reassure his rivals that he will be around for a bit longer.
“The Indian cricket team is struggling to find some quality spinners, apart from the guys who are playing. You will find that there is no bench strength as far as spinners are concerned. So definitely the quality of domestic cricket has come down in terms of the bowling department.” — Indian batsman VVS Laxman’s revelation gives opposition teams something to look forward to.
“Maybe this point can be the championship point, who knows. I believe we can still win the championship, with five games to go anything is possible. ” — Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic keeps the faith despite his team’s title hopes going down the tubes after a drab draw in the Soweto derby.
“I am a Celtic fan and did not have to ask much about it. I always wanted to play for Celtic and it works for all parties. – — Irish striker Robbie Keane gushes about his move to Glasgow Celtic, barely 18 months after returning to Tottenham Hotspur from Liverpool, another club he supported as a boy.
“I have met many very wealthy people in cricket but I haven’t yet met anyone who could spend money if they weren’t around to enjoy it. Our players are sensible enough not to put money ahead of their own safety.” — SA Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tony Irish gives his view on suggestions that South African cricketers could pull out of the IPL due to security concerns.
“Mr Hayatou has done much for Africa but now he must clear off. This decision is monstrous.” — Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor is makes it clear what he thinks of Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou after the country was banned from taking part in the next two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s a bit strange to see a silver car with a red helmet. I expect them [the team] to be as professional as normal, and I’m looking to them for responsibility and guidance for the youth.” — Felipe Massa on the surreal sight of seeing Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher driving for a rival team.
“t’s been an emotional week and not many teams go to India and win. I expect them [the senior players] to be as professional as normal, and I’m looking to them for responsibility and guidance for the youth.” — Proteas captain Graeme Smith puts on a brave face after a tough week for South African cricket.
“We have never been as happy as we are now as a group and everything is 100% hunky-dory.” — Veteran lock Johann Muller laughs off suggestions that there is discontent in the Sharks camp.