"I am not now, nor have I ever been, a cheat."

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell, a former world 100m record holder, after testing positive for a banned substance.

"I don't think people understood the fact that I got traded to LA, and now I had a chance to really choose my own destiny, and this is the place where I chose and I'm happy about it."

Dwight Howard, after signing a four-year deal worth about $88 million with Houston, a year less and far below the $118 million the Lakers could have offered.

"It has nothing to do with New York, the city. The only thing that's important are those players that I'm going to be joining."

Metta World Peace, on his decision to join the New York Knicks.

"I come here with lots of joy, lots of confidence, lots of hunger and lots of motivation to win major trophies."

Edinson Cavani, after joining French champion PSG for a Ligue 1 record 64 million euros ($84 million).

"I don't want to win the Europa League. If I win the Europa League it will be a big disappointment for me because I don't want to play in it. I don't want my players to feel the Europa League is our competition."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, months after predecessor Rafa Benitez guided the club to that title.

"You can cool down the stadiums but you can't cool down the whole country and you can't simply cool down the ambience of a World Cup."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, saying the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should be switched to winter.

(China Daily 07/21/2013 page8)