It was a little bit of a motivation, but I never let it get to me, ... I knew if I work hard, good things will happen.

I dedicate this to Chicago, ... This is for the fans of Chicago who have waited so long. I know they deserve it because they've stood by me when I was pitching bad.

This (demonstration) is great because nobody cares about what's happening (with the bill). It's a beautiful thing, as long as everybody stays calm.

Even when I was in Cuba, I hear of Roger Clemens, and I was a big admirer. I'd heard so much about him, and then I got to see him pitch. Everything about his pitching is perfect. You watch him and you see nothing wasted.

I was ready from the get-go. In the first inning against Cleveland, I didn't think that I was prepared. But [Wednesday], from the bullpen, I was ready. That was the difference.

[He paused and looked up to make eye contact, expressing sincerity that needed no translation.] When I go out to pitch, I go out to pitch not only for the fans here in Chicago but my fans in Cuba and the Cuban people, ... I represent something bigger than just pitching for one team.