Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley does not pull any punches. As he sets out his aggressive overseas expansion plan, Retail Week looks at some of his most famous quotes.

Ashley on the City:

“I’ve got balls of steel. Some investors have been great and have been very supportive. But some of these City people act like a bunch of cry babies.”

JJB founder Dave Whelan warning Ashley off his turf:

“There’s a club in the north son, and you’re not part of it.”

Ashley on his UK competition:

“I’ll finish off JJB first and then I’ll move on to JD”

What Ashley calls Sir Philip Green:

“Emperor”

What Sir Philip Green calls Ashley:

“Young Emperor”

Ashley on taking Sports Direct public:

“As a public company we may have a shot at the title, it we are right on top of our game.”

Ashley on his £50m divorce settlement:

“I can afford many things but getting married isn’t one of them.”

Ashley on his approach to international expansion:

“If you don’t want to play, we’ll come to your country and smash you to bits.”

Ashley on his retail counterparts:

“Who do I most admire on the high street? That’s easy – Primark. I admire their relentless focus both on their customer and their operating model. They offer outstanding value and are continually enhancing their products for customers. They are a great retail operator in today’s market place.”