QUOTES

ROBERT PIRES - Fabio Cannavaro has been outstanding, as he almost always is. He’s a true leader, talking a lot to his colleagues. You don’t get made captain of Italy for nothing, and he has been a strong skipper in what might have been difficult circumstances, given the news coming from Italy.

ALESSANDRO NESTA - Talking about Fabio's height is the same as talking about the fog in Milan.I have never felt that he is short when I play with him, because he can jump higher than anybody else. He is always good at heading. It doesn't make any sense talking about Cannavaro like that.

IKER CASILLAS - Iker was asked to comment on his real madrid team-mates for a magazine. this was about 2 months in after canna, emerson and ruud joined the team. asked to describe canna in a word...

Iker: 'A leader you can depend on' - The three of them make you feel strongly that they are true professionals. There's something stern about Cannavaro and Emerson especially, perhaps because they've known Capello for a long time. Cannavaro has that unmistakable presence as a leader and in my impression, is exactly like that tough and cool-headed defense he shows on the pitch."

MAHAMADOU DIARRA - Which player did you want to play together with at Real Madrid?

Diarra: "I can't choose just one! Real Madrid only has great players. Raul, David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo... The one that impressed me the most after having actually played together is Cannavaro. He's sturdy and lithe and his attitude when he faces a match is exceptional too. I think he's the best center-back in the world."

KALLE (KARL-HEINZ) RUMENIGGE - Who should get the golden ball? "If it was for me I'd give it to a defender. Fabio Cannavaro: He won the World Cup almost all by himself. He's the symbol of the Italian school. He more than Buffon: His head up high and the (rolling) shutter down."

EAMON DUNPHY - On Fabio Cannavaro's performance during Germany 2006
"If Rio Ferdinand is worth £120,000 a week, Cannavaro is worth a hundred million a day."

RAMÓN CALDERÓN - President of Real Madrid CF, speaking at the unveiling of Fabio Cannavaro
"Fabio being the first player presented has a special symbolic meaning, being that he is true number one with great leadership skills. We are convinced he will be a role model to help build a winning team. Upon arriving in Madrid, Cannavaro's first words demonstrated his pride, happiness, and satisfaction for joining such an admired Club."

MARCELLO LIPPI - "Cannavaro is having a fantastic World Cup. He is without question the strongest defender at this tournament and the absolute number one in the world"

DIEGO MARADONA - Speaking of Germany 2006

Fabio Cannavaro was the best player of this World Cup,