Top 59 Quotes & Sayings by Declan Rice

I'm always composed, calm, and always believe in my own ability, and if I start well, then I end up having a good game, usually.

If you're not learning, you don't progress.

You're only out there for 90 minutes, and you have to give it everything you've got. It's a game of football, at the end of the day.

It's crazy to be spoken about like Mascherano. He's won everything: Champions League, La Ligas; he's been at World Cups.

I think it's important that you're vocal during the match, especially at centre-half. You're basically the eyes and ears of the team, and if you don't open your mouth, it's not going to help the team out.

I have a special connection with the fans. It's unbelievable.

If I didn't want to be playing for Ireland, I wouldn't be here.

The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling - they give you all the confidence you need. They give you little pats on the back, tell you you're doing well.

People who troll you want a reaction, and there's no point in doing that. I just try to focus on my football.

I've got to live up to some legends like Robbie Keane and Liam Brady.

I've always been good at handling stuff mentally.

As I'm growing up, going into holding midfield, I'm watching Busquets quite a lot for Barcelona. The way he controls the game, his reading of it, technically, defensively - everything about him cuts him out above the rest. I'm really enjoying watching him.

In football, and in life, I have always tried to be completely honest and true to myself and my family at all times, and that is what I will continue to do.

I only ever wanted to be a footballer.

My family are very happy that I'm playing with Ireland. It's my dad's side, and he's really, really proud. He wants me to play for Ireland, and I'm really happy to play for Ireland.

The crowd are entitled to their opinion, and as players, we have to go out there and play well.

My nan and granddad are from Cork.

No dream is far away.

I don't read too much into things and look at social media. It's all a load of crap.

As a holding midfield player, you want movement and to play between the lines.

When Chelsea let me go, it was really deflating. For me, as a youngster, it's all I ever knew - living 10 minutes from the training ground, going to loads of the games.

Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham.

There are no guarantees getting into an England squad: there's so many unbelievable players.

My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100 per cent genuine. It was a great honour for myself and my family and something I will always cherish.

Mum and dad are always looking out for me; they just want the best for me.

I like Jorginho, the way he plays and passes.

Being compared to players, being linked to other teams - I don't really take any of it in, to be honest. If you think about it too much, you get caught up in it.

The call-up is one of the best feelings you're ever going to feel.

I study for myself, my own games and others.

Coming to the game, my first time with England at Wembley, it's a special moment.

No one is guaranteed their place in the squad.

It's good that I can play in two positions, as a centre-back or as a holding midfielder, as I just want to get minutes and get games.

I love every minute of being at West Ham.

I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my family's Irish heritage and my affinity and connection with the country.

I was released by Chelsea at 14 years old. I remember it, a Tuesday night. On the Wednesday, I was training with Fulham, five minutes from my house, and then on the Thursday, I was training with West Ham. After one session at both clubs, they both wanted me.

Growing up, John Terry was my obvious idol. I based my whole game on him.

Everyone knows Chadwell Heath; it's historic.

I'm only 20; you've got your whole career ahead of you. I'm just focused on playing for West Ham and playing with a smile on my face and enjoying it.

I just try to keep level-headed and try to improve every day.

I thought there was maybe going to be some booing. I didn't know how the fans would take to me. But the reception from the England fans has been top class. They have taken me in.

It's important to be vocal, and to be fair, I've always had that in me, to be honest. One of the things my dad has always said to me is make sure you're vocal, and before the game, I always get a text off him telling me to do the things well and again, 'Be vocal, Dec.'

I am not taking for granted a call-up to the England squad or making any assumption about my future international career.

I like to do the simple things really well, keep the ball ticking.

Nothing is given in the Premier League, and it is tough for spots.

You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best.

At West Ham, I was the last person to be offered a scholarship. I remember an Under 18 match against Fulham. I was 16 and had to prove myself. Everyone else already had their scholarship. It was probably one of my best games. Knowing that every day I'd have to fight has made me into the person I am today.

I want to win trophies, even the Champions League. You have to be ambitious.

I'm composed, and I'm a calm player.

England have never wanted me at underage level; it's always been Ireland.

I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland, and therefore, the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection.

I've seen comparisons between myself and Bobby Moore. It's nice to be told there are similarities, but nobody will come close to him - what a player, what a man!

I know that nothing can be taken for granted, and there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me. However, I am looking forward to the challenge of trying to prove to the England manager that I am worthy of a place in his team, and hopefully continuing to progress my career in the right direction.

I think it's important that I keep playing international football, whatever level it is.

I had to move away from home at 14 and live in a club house in Romford for three years, only seeing my mum and dad twice a week.

Mark O'Toole from the FAI has looked after me well back in England to the point that I consider him a father figure.

Like so many people around the world, I consider myself to be of mixed nationality.

As you can hear, I am English - I am from England - and it was really good playing for Ireland.

I thought I did well for only being 19 years old on the international scene. I was proud of myself.

I just have to stay focused and play football with a smile on my face.