They said what? The best football quotes of 2015

Self-expression is the lifeblood of football, so, understandably, there's no sport that produces the type of quotes the beautiful game manufactures.

From angry press conferences, to emotional farewells, to heroic reunions, to YouTube accounts, to Twitter, the football universe continued to be the scene of memorable quotes in 2015, as managers and players, both current and former, didn't hesitate to voice their opinions and fill the pages of newspapers across the planet.

Here's a collection of this year's best football quotes:

Jose Mourinho on criticism from Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness after Chelsea's Champions League elimination

"Maybe because of diet and maybe the quality of products we are eating, but memories are getting shorter. Because, you know, when Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness speak about it, it's because they are having a problem for sure.

"Jamie stopped playing a couple of years ago and, in two years, he has forgotten everything he did on the pitch. Mr. Souness also, but he stopped playing a long time ago. I coach Benfica after he left there so I know a lot about him. But I have had a certain kind of education, now just in football but in life, and I prefer to laugh.

"Envy is the biggest tribute that the shadows do to the man. It's about life."

Nigel Pearson's incredible rant, calling reporter 'an ostrich'

"I think you must have either your head in the clouds, or been away on holiday, or reporting on a different team, because if you don't know the answer to that question ... your question is absolutely unbelievable, the fact you do not understand where I am coming from. If you don't know the answer to that question then I think you are an ostrich. Your head must be in the sand. Is your head in the sand? Are you flexible enough to get your head in the sand? My suspicion would be no."

Steven Gerrard delivers final farewell to Anfield faithful

"I've been dreading this moment and the reason being is that I'm going to miss it so much. I'm absolutely devastated I'm never going to play in front of these supporters again. I've played in front of most fans around the world but I've got to tell you - you are the best."

Carlos Tevez returns to Boca Juniors, his boyhood club

"Money doesn't buy happiness."

Diego Maradona on being drug-free for 12 years

"My environment is my people. They are healthy. I stopped taking drugs almost 12 years ago because it does not let me wake up in the morning the way I do today. And I chose this life for my children and for my grandchildren and for those to come."

Saido Berahino takes to Twitter, vows he's done at West Brom after club rejects 4th bid from Tottenham

"Sad how I can't say exactly how the club has treated me but I can officially say I will never play Jeremy Peace."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic reignites tensions with journalist after question about projects outside football

"Whatever, whatever, whatever. I don't need the money. I'm doing it because it's fun. These projects are fun to work with. It's new adventures for me. When I'm doing well and you feel a sting from it, then I'm enjoying myself even more ... It's the same as when I'm playing football - I get an extra kick out of it if it hurts you. That's the best feeling."

Jurgen Klopp declares himself as the 'Normal One' upon arriving at Liverpool

"Does anyone in this room think I can do wonders? No. I am a normal guy. I come from the Black Forest. My mother is probably sat at home now watching this, not able to understand a word of what I am saying but very proud.

"I am the Normal One. I was a very average player, became a manager in Germany at a special club, Mainz, then I had a great opportunity to take Dortmund, a special club for seven years. For both parties it was best to leave and now I am here. I hope to enjoy my work. Everyone has told me about the British press so it is up to you to show they are all liars."

Sepp Blatter displays martyr complex after 8-year ban from all football-related activity

"I'm really sorry. I'm sorry. I am sorry that I am somewhere a punching ball. I'm sorry that I'm as president of FIFA this punching ball. I'm sorry for football. I am sorry for the 400-plus FIFA members. I'm sorry. I am sorry about how I am treated in this world of humanitarian qualities. I'm sorry for the Federation Internationale de Football Association. But I'm also sorry about me, how I'm treated in this world."

Louis van Gaal slams media amid speculation about his future at Manchester United

"Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? I think I was already sacked, I read. I have been sacked. My colleague (Jose Mourinho) was here already. So you think I want to talk to the media? I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you ... I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie."