Wayne Rooney will play his 100th international match for England this weekend and the forward was grateful to many people for helping him reach the milestone.
The 29-year old Manchester United star, who is now captain of England, will receive his gold cap when the Three Lions step out onto the Wembley pitch to take on Slovenia in Euro2016 qualifying on Saturday.
Ahead of the match, Rooney spoke of his journey to the top of English football and thanked those closest to him for helping him realize his dreams.
He also touched on how much of an honour it is for him to pull on his nation's shirt on a regular basis and that he plans to continue to do so for some time.
"There's millions of people who want to play for England and I am fortunate enough to have done it many times now. From the day you meet up there is excitement and you try to win and the ultimate dream is to win a trophy," said Rooney.
"No-one can take it away from me. There's people starting as a young boy with my parents taking me to training and working with people at Everton and Manchester United. Then my wife and children, to be a father and a husband, gives me the balance in my life and it helps in my football. So I would like to thank all of them.
"It is not every day someone could say they are World Cup winners and I would like to join them. I am honoured to be able to do it.
"I had to mature quickly because I am in the limelight. On the pitch I have developed as a player. I have more composure on the ball than when I was 17 or 18.
'Barring injury playing for England is something I love doing. When you finish you are retired a long time. I have always said if selected I am available.
"I went back to my old school a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice to go back and see teachers who are still there. To see the kids was a great feeling, but when you play in the school playground I used to pretend I was Michael Owen.
"As captain of England it makes me proud."
