England captain Harry Kane has admitted he would like to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by playing for his country until the age of 39.
The 31-year-old is set to play his 100th game for the Three Lions but does not appear to have any plans to retire from international football.
Asked about his targets for the England national team, Kane said: “I feel great, physically and mentally. This is the peak of my career. “
Watching another player – Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal. And seeing him compete at 39 – it’s inspired me to keep playing for as long as I can. “
“I love the business, I love representing England more than anything else. I don’t want to end my time any time soon. ”
“For me now it’s about continuing to improve, being consistent for England and at club level. “
“I’m still hungry for more. I’m determined to push myself to the limit.”
Kane endured a difficult Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 2-1 in the final by Spain after a spluttering campaign.
But the 31-year-old is keen to follow in the footsteps of former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo. ทางเข้า ufabet As he prepares for England’s Nations League opener against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
“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 in line to win his 99th cap against Ireland after another draining summer, with little time to rest after the Euros before returning to action.