"Paolo, forget Milan, we want you at Man City. I'll pay for the transfer and then you can play in our band as well."

Oasis singer Noel Gallagher to Italian soccer captain Paolo Maldini during one of the band's concerts in Italy.

"He's a loser. I don't bear grudges but if he is stupid enough to say what people tell him to say, that's his problem."

World champion F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve on Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine after Irvine defended Michael Schumacher's barging in the final grand prix.

"I could hardly believe it when I heard the news but it has got to be true because customs officials don't mess around with something like this."

Perth swimming official after a flask of growth hormone was found in a Chinese competitor's bag arriving to the World Swimming Championships.

"It is absurd to think of such a thing."

Peter Velappan, general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, on the prospect of having midnight kick-offs at the 2002 World Cup finals to suit European television.

"We will not be lowering our sights."

IFA president Jim Boyce after Joe Royle, Ron Atkinson and Bruce Rioch turned down the chance to coach the Northern Ireland soccer team.