The Week in Quotes

“I had to laugh when he almost scored the fourth – he dribbled through the Spurs defence like Ricky Villa, but his finish was more like Ricky Gervais.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers compares Raheem Sterling’s stunning run against Tottenham Hotspur to former Spurs hero Ricardo Villa’s famous goal in 1981. He was less complementary about the England man’s shot on goal, though.

“I didn’t understand what the gaffer said when I was first told about it. But then I typed both names into Google, so now I know. “

Raheem Sterling shows his coach’s age, with the goal having been scored more than 13 years before the young England international was born.

“We would have beaten Argentina in the final on July 13 even if Di Maria had been playing. He couldn’t have beaten us on that day.”

Joachim Low brushes aside claims that Angel Di Maria – who scored one and set-up three for Argentina against Germany – would have made a difference during the FIFA World Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro.

“When you talk about those leagues in Europe, you’re talking about deep, long history. They have all the tradition that comes with years and years. So you can’t just compare a league like MLS to those leagues. It’s not fair.”

Seattle Sounders forward Obafemi Martins, in conversation with FIFA.com, when looking at the English Premier League, German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A in comparison to his current division.

“We’ve put an offer to his brother, who is his agent, and look forward hearing back from him. We were shocked to see that Ronaldinho was a free agent and thought what better way for him to get back into football than to play for Basingstoke Town.”

Basingstoke Town marketing director Simon Hood reveals that the sixth tier English side are shooting for the stars in a bid to bolster their squad outside the transfer window. Ronaldinho would go on to sign for Mexican side Queretaro instead.

“Use this match to say no to all forms of discrimination. This sport is about joy and celebration, and as footballers you are witnesses to that. Religions are called upon to provide a bond of peace and never one of hate.”

Pope Francis, before the first Interreligious Match for Peace, that took place at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 1 September at his request

“Van Ginkel initially resisted our advances. At some point we gave him an ultimatum, but then I realized that we would not get him. So I quickly told him that I was joking… Eventually he agreed.”

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani on the challenges of coaxing midfielder Marco van Ginkel to the San Siro.

“We have a supplier of mushrooms so we thought ‘why not? The former chairman is a mushroom grower’.”

Bungay Town vice-chairman Shaun Cole on their novel idea of giving supporters pun nets of mushrooms to convince them to watch them play against Martham

“We know how to play Real Madrid: retreat and go for the counter.”

Xabi Prieto of Real Sociedad, after the side from San Sebastian came from 2-0 down to beat Los Blancos 4-2.

“With these two departures and with almost no new signings during the whole transfer window, Monaco fans are swinging between anger, confusion and frustration. The fans feel betrayed today.”

A statement from a Monaco supporters group calls for season ticket refunds after first James Rodriguez and then Radamel Falcao are sold.

“I’m glad it’s done. It means a lot to me and my whole family, and everyone around me. I think the nicest goal is the one against England. Nothing beats it. But all goals are important because they have helped me get the record.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic on becoming Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Sven Rydell’s previous record of 49 goals set in 1932.

 M.D