Once I’m at the arena with the guys in the dressing room, and in the bus, and on the plane, I’m a player. And I sit in the back with the players and I play cards and try to take their money.
Meaning of the quote
When Mario Lemieux is with his teammates, he becomes just like them - a player. He sits in the back of the bus or plane with the other players, playing cards and trying to win their money. Even though he's a famous athlete, he doesn't act differently from the rest of the team when they're together.
About Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was a Canadian hockey legend who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, leading them to multiple Stanley Cup victories. Despite health issues that cut his career short, he is considered one of the greatest players of all time, known for his exceptional skill, size, and creativity on the ice.
More quotes from Mario Lemieux
I’ve gone through back surgery a couple times, and of course, my radiation treatments for six weeks got me to the point where I was not able to play at the level that I was accustomed to.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I think people in Montreal smoke a lot, and I used to smoke when I was 17-18, and just picked it up when I was playing juniors. But I think I stopped when I was 22, which was a big decision in my life.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
We feel that, with Sidney, we have a great opportunity over the next few years to put a great team on the ice. We’re prepared to lose some money along the way. Eventually we’re going to need some help.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
A month before the season I stop putting ketchup on my french fries.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
When someone screams at me to hurry up, I slow down.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Oh, I did stop smoking a long time ago.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Once I’m at the arena with the guys in the dressing room, and in the bus, and on the plane, I’m a player. And I sit in the back with the players and I play cards and try to take their money.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
When I’m able to see the ice ahead of time when I get the puck, I’m able to make some pretty good plays.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I’m only 35, and I felt that the time was right to try to come back and have a chance for him to see me play.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Well, I think just a desire to come back and be a part of the game again.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I can no longer play at a level I was accustomed to in the past.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
My body’s feeling it a little bit. But one good thing, my back is in good shape, and that’s my main concern. I know that my legs are going to take awhile to get back to where I was a few years ago, but as long as my back is solid, I feel that I can play many years.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I didn’t speak English until I came to Pittsburgh.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
All I can say to the young players is, enjoy every moment of it. Just enjoy every moment of it. Your career goes by very quickly.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I think the game has opened up, and that’s why I decided to come back and try to be a part of it.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I didn’t like the way the game was being played.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
He’s only 4 years old, so I don’t think he realized, you know, that I played so many years. Of course, we watch tapes here from the Stanley Cup years, but I don’t think he realized how many years I played.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
One thing I hate is people screaming at me. If you want me to do something, talk to me.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I don’t try to match wine with food, I just drink what I like. And I think a lot of people are going towards that now, which never used to be in the past.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Since the beginning, I always loved the game. When you grow up in Montreal, one day you want to be a professional hockey player. When I was six or seven, I knew that was what I wanted.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
The first few games that we played against some of the teams, the young guys, you know, want a stick sign or photo sign, and I think that they respect what I have achieved throughout my career.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Depending on how we start the season, I can play center or wing… It doesn’t matter to me.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
As I’ve said, in 2007, we’re free to go and we’ll just have to do what’s best for the business.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Of course, my family has been a big reason for me to come back, especially my son who loves the game of hockey – he was a big reason for me coming back.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
Everybody I talked to – from my friends to my family and some of the players – really gave me a lot of support from the start. And that certainly made me feel good about trying to come back and be one of the best again.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
I think that with a lot of hard work and dedication, I feel that I could be the best in the world. I’m still only 35 years old… I have a fresh start physically and mentally, and I feel that I can achieve my goal to be the best again.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner
It’s up to the community now to decide if they want to keep this team.
Canadian ice hockey player and team owner