Harry Kane admires Cristiano Ronaldo’s career longevity and plans to mirror similar path
England captain Harry Kane plans to take the same route as Cristiano Ronaldo having an extended career as long as possible.
In the Nations League Portugal striker Ronaldo netted his 900th and 901st goals of his remarkable career in the wins over Croatia and Scotland.
The 39-year-old marked his 213th appearance for his country and provided the Bayern Munich forward Kane with inspiration for the latter stages of his upcoming years.
England’s final disappointment continued in the Euro 2024, as Gareth Southgate’s side was beaten 2-1 in the final by Spain, after a faltering campaign.
But, the 31-year-old is determined to follow former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon Ronaldo.
“Cristiano is the benchmark, not only being one of the best footballers ever to play, but also the benchmark of how long you can play for at a higher level,” Kane told reporters on Friday.
“I think sometimes in football and maybe in sport in general, there’s a perception that when you get to your thirties it’s time to start slowing down, playing fewer games and not playing to the high level.
“Cristiano is just showing that every week, every time he plays, every time he scores, so from my point of view, that’s the aim.
“I want to play as long as possible for England and it’s great to see other athletes doing it in front of me. It shows that it’s possible, and it’s just about how you feel yourself.
“I feel in a really good place, both physically and mentally and whatever noise there is around, as long as you keep performing and keep doing what you know you can, that’s all you can do.”
Kane is set to make his 100th cap against Finland after victory over Ireland.
As the physical demands is drastically increasing with longer seasons, the former Tottenham striker said the dealing with pressure is something players simply have to get used to.
“There was a lot of talk during the Euros about me and my condition, but like I said then, I felt in good shape,” he said.
“Did the games go the way I wanted? No. Not really. But there were a lot of us who felt below par in terms of individual performances and we did extremely well to get to where we got to, which was down to our team spirit and cohesion we created over the years.
“But sometimes when it does not go the way you wanted it to go, there is always something to look for and someone to blame. But I feel good, I have come back in a good place and I have started the season well.”
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