Roman Abramovich

When I started to make more or less serious money – for those times – then, of course, I wanted to show everyone that life is different: it’s a new kind of life; we are earning this money. We wanted to pay taxes and live honestly.

I never made any public statements, at least I tried never to make any public statements. I know I don’t do it well, I become very nervous, I forget what it is that I mean to say, I can’t really convey my logic and my thought to the journalists, so I decided this is not my thing, I really shouldn’t be doing it.

The Holocaust was a crime without parallel in history, and I am proud to launch an initiative to raise awareness of and to tackle anti-Semitism in all its forms. This is the start of an important journey and we all have a part to play.

I myself never make any notes. Usually, if I write something down, I can’t read it afterwards.

In my personal opinion, Russia is no less democratic than it used to be. It is a democratic country. It is democratic enough.

I really don’t retain information – by the time I arrive wherever I’m going, I already forget what it is that I wanted to say.

Because, to give a goal, the ball must be 100% in and he must be 100% sure that the ball is in.

Every little kid that steps on the court or the field has aspirations to go pro. I think being a pro basketball player is the best job. The thing I had to realize was that I can’t do every dream that I have.

I like a lot of sports. Especially football – it’s my favourite sport. My uncle played football in Barcelona for nine years and played for Spain in three World Cups.

It was a very unbelievable day for me. It’s special to begin the clay season like this. Beating Roger in the final is even more special, it’s great.

For me, it is important to win titles and for that I need to work hard, stay healthy and be able to compete. The rest, I always say, it comes.

I’m realising my dream of owning a top football club. Some will doubt my motives, others will think I’m crazy.

I will do as I usually do. Tomorrow is going to be a day like any other day.

I like fishing. Not actual fishing – I like the peace and quiet of being at sea. It’s different.

Honesty, willingness to exert oneself, friendship – all these things shaped me too.

For sure, I’m going to play less matches because I think it’s very difficult to win the same number of matches as last year. Maybe I’m going to play a little bit less, but I like playing tournaments; so if I feel good, I going to play for sure.

It is important to recognize the small successes.

The boys are so powerful off of the baseline now that they don’t have to come to the net to finish points. That’s the reason we went to the net. To finish the point. Nowadays, even the big guys can hit winners four feet behind the baseline.

Some people get very confused about my game. They think it’s better if the court is slow, because I have a good defence. But the faster it is, the better for me. My spin is more painful for my opponents, my aggressive game works better.

Certainly I would like to have some of the qualities of other players and obviously from Roger Federer. But believe me, there are plenty of other abilities that are important, particularly mindset and strength.

I drew my strength from fear. Fear of losing. I don’t remember the games I won, only the games I lost.