KEY POINTS:
When did you leave NZ? 1996. To play where?
Initially at [division three] Greensboro University - my marks at school in Christchurch were not good enough. I did not work hard enough. I then moved to Stanford and on to play for DC United in the MLS.
I have now been at Blackburn for almost four years.
How much longer?
I have another three years on my contract after this season. By then my knees will have had enough.
Will you play out your time with Rovers?
Yeah. They have been very good to me.
Do you live in Blackburn?
No. It is not the greatest place. They have the football club and not much else. It would be difficult living there. We live in Altrincham (pronounced Oltrinham) a town of about 70,000 people 12km from Manchester. We wanted to be near a big city and it is only 40 minutes to the football club.
Were you surprised when your long-time coach Mark Hughes left for Manchester City?
Not really. He knew the Blackburn owners were looking to sell the club and felt they were not meeting his ambitions.
Any suggestion you might follow him?
No. There was an agreement in place and none of the players have followed him to City.
Retaining the captaincy helped in your decision to stay?
In some ways. I was grateful to have the chance to continue. I'm now into my third season as captain. That's pretty cool.
Your toughest opponent in the Premier League?
Thierry Henry.
Anywhere?
They are all different but players like Drogba, Torres and Rooney really challenge you.
What's Wayne Rooney like?
He's a really nice guy.
Most memorable game for Blackburn?
The derby FA Cup clash with Burnley. It was a pretty crazy game. Also beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2006 - the season in which we got the double against them.
Most memorable for NZ?
Playing Brazil in the Confederations Cup in Mexico and beating Australia at Mt Smart to get there.
Your most memorable goal for Blackburn?
Aw, come on, everyone knows I haven't scored for them yet. When I do it will be memorable.
For the All Whites?
The most important was the one which beat Australia to get us to the Confederations Cup. The best was probably one I chipped in from 25 metres against Tahiti - in front of 100 spectators.
What's the difference between playing for/captaining Blackburn and doing the same for New Zealand?
At Blackburn it is work. A job. High pressure. For New Zealand it's really enjoyable.
How did you find the Olympic experience?
It was incredible. It far exceeded any expectations.
Given the chance would you do it again?
Oh my God yes. I'd be back in a heartbeat.
What was behind your stance on the Wellington Phoenix?
My comments were largely taken out of context. They are the only professional club in NZ but they have only two age group players in the professional environment. I have no problem with the set-up of the senior team but I feel they need to do more for young players.
At Blackburn we try to blood young players and you have to remember if we come last like the Phoenix did, the club stands to lose $100 million. I was not trying to be negative. Good on them for what they have done. I want them to win but I also want to see them developing young players.
Best coach you have played under?
Bobby Clark. Hands down.
You are now only one win away from playing in a third Confederations Cup. What does that mean?
It would be awesome. To follow the Olympics with that would be great. Then, of course, there is the World Cup. It would not be bad to complete the set. Would it?
You said this week that a player at the top of his game, like you, can earn more money than an All Black or a league player in the NRL. Does this mean you are set up financially for the rest of your life?
Pretty much. I won't ever have to worry too much. Hopefully other New Zealand players can follow me. It can be an extremely lucrative, but at times short, career.
How do you relax?
With my family, reading and, in summer, a bit of golf. My handicap varies between 15-20.
Having a 10-month-old son must mean changes?
Sure has. I used to take everything so seriously. Now I come home and see the young fella sitting there smiling and I stop worrying about everything.
Where to when it's over?
I see myself living back in New Zealand somewhere near a beach. My wife [American] loves New Zealand.
