“We have not got anything so far. Not even the match fees for the Asia Cup.” - An unnamed Sri Lankan cricketer states. The World T20 champion cricketers remained unpaid of their prize money even two months after winning just its second world title in the country’s cricket history. From: World Champions unpaid
“It was very sensible battling and he is magnificent at manoeuvring the field around.” – Andrew Strauss comments on Kumar Sangakkara‘s impressive innings at the fourth ODI at Lord’s. The Sri Lankan legend scored a crucial 112 runs off 104 balls, which included 14 fours to help his team level the series 2-2 against England.
“Everyone sees the failure of a way. In my opinion, Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen anything like it. If I say something, I will defend it to the death. He was our solution, never our problem.” – Neymar praises his Barca teammate Messi. From: Neymar: Messi is Barca’s solution.
“We are very fortunate to have a hugely talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool Football Club.Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch.This season has reaffirmed everyone’s belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.” - Liverpool’s owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner said Rodgers was the right manager to bring silverware back to Anfield. From: Rodgers given new long-term contract by Liverpool
“So we have one natural talent, who is very emotional, and we have another guy who is doing the same job in another way.” - Nico Rosberg is not emotional then, according to Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda.
“We lacked maturity… We weren’t able to adapt to the big teams, and we often went off the rails in big games.” - OIivier Giroud with a frank assessment of Arsenal’s title flop.
“I want to stay and to continue to develop the team and the club. We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support around the world. We are all determined to bring more success to this club.The club has always shown faith in me and I’m very grateful for that.” - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger comments on the future of his club. From: Arsenal future excites Wenger
“I haven’t gotten past the fourth round of a grand slam this year. I have a couple words to describe it, but I think that would be really inappropriate so I’m going to leave it at that.” - Serena Williams wasn’t best pleased with her early French Open exit.
“At one point, I even sat myself down to watch videos of my goals: I wanted to understand what I was doing before when I was scoring” - Fernando Torres is looking to return to top form.
“It’s a hell of an innings. He doesn’t deserve to be on the losing side, playing like that. It’s one of the best innings I’ve seen. I don’t know where he gets his power from. It is an incredible talent. He’s got great hand-eye (coordination), and his head is so still when he hits the ball so incredibly well.” - Captain Alastair Cook applauds Jos Buttler’s impressive century off just 74 balls during the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. From: Buttler service impresses Cook
“You’re the caretaker of the jersey and it is your job to continue that aura.” - Ex-All Black Joe Rokocoko on what it’s like to play for New Zealand.
“If we’re to progress in the World Cup then we’re going to need Daniel and Wayne (Rooney) to create magical moments and that was certainly one tonight.” - Steven Gerrard comments after England’s warm-up match against Peru.
“With anything new you want to get off to a good start. To get over the line in this game and start off on a high note with this series would be huge for this group and justify the things we’re trying to do within it.” – James Tredwell shares his thought prior to the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka.