Patrick van Aanholt

I can defend and attack - I am capable of everything.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I wanted to find a club where I can stay a couple of years and try to do well.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Why is racism still a conversation in 2020? We are all one. It hurts me. It upsets me.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Everyone who knows me knows there is nothing wrong with me - and there is nothing wrong with my heart either. Did…

— Patrick van Aanholt

When Sunderland turned down an offer for me from Crystal Palace I went to see Moyes in his office three or four…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I didn't want to play in the reserves. It was the wrong attitude. I could have trained for myself, so when I…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I am not even worried about the critics.

— Patrick van Aanholt

It feels fantastic to score my first goal.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I like to go forward, that is my strength.

— Patrick van Aanholt

A win against the champions is always special.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I grew up in a family of six. Four sisters, one brother.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Everyone can criticize me. I don't listen to them.

— Patrick van Aanholt

If you don't have ambitions then you're not a football player.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Of course you want to play for your country.

— Patrick van Aanholt

But I think I made the right move to leave Chelsea behind. They kept sending me on loan to get more experience.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I moved to England at a young age so it was different, unlike other Dutch players as I had to get used…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I've played two years in the Premier League, and I think I've shown everyone what I'm capable of.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I would play until my mum called me. I would just stay out playing football, every day.

— Patrick van Aanholt

My mum and dad were very strict with me and I am grateful for that because all I wanted to do was…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I could have stayed at Chelsea, signed a new contract, but I chose to go different ways.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I want my children to have a normal life and not face racism and their children's children.

— Patrick van Aanholt

It is always good to be linked with big clubs like Juventus. It is a sign that I am in a good…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I have been at Chelsea for a lot of years. I have played in the Premier League, the Champions League, it is…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I saw Ashley train every day and I said, 'This is what I want but better.' That was my motivation. He taught…

— Patrick van Aanholt

Vitesse was my hometown club. They helped me in my career. It was Vitesse who helped me get in to the national…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I'm a defender and that's what I will always look to do first. If you do that right then the other things…

— Patrick van Aanholt

We all want to make a step higher up. I think I've got it in me to play at that level. I…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I was 16 and went straight into the reserves. I had to adapt to the language, adapt to a new country, adapt…

— Patrick van Aanholt

Yeah, I always want to play against the best.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Sunderland is like a family and I'm very happy to be part of it.

— Patrick van Aanholt

My family lives in London and my kids go to school in London.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I've always played left-back and I'm an established defender so that is the focus for me in games.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Ideally, you want to play games, and you don't want to train every day without the matches.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I did not enjoy David Moyes' training sessions. Eventually I lost my love for the game and went into the dressing-room feeling…

— Patrick van Aanholt

I wanted to be a centre back but I was always stepping over the ball and playing one-twos.

— Patrick van Aanholt

Of course every player has to accept criticism and it has happened to me. But you have got to get back up.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I enjoyed my time at Newcastle and it was a very good experience for me to be involved at such a big…

— Patrick van Aanholt

As you grow up you realize more how important the fans are and that without the fans we are basically nothing.

— Patrick van Aanholt

I have been criticized lots of times but I don't care. It makes me even stronger.

— Patrick van Aanholt