Harry Kane expressed his desire for longevity just like Cristiano Ronaldo, who still plays at the highest level well into his late thirties.
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Kane aims career longevity like Ronaldo
Ronaldo, 39, scored his 901st career goal as Portugal scored a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Scotland on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kane is set to earn his 100th England cap when the Three Lions face Finland in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old is currently England’s all-time record scorer with 66 goals.
Speaking ahead of their Finland match, the Bayern Munich striker said Ronaldo’s longevity inspired him to be a better footballer.
“I feel in really good shape. I feel both physically and mentally at a peak in my career. Just watching other players like Ronaldo scoring his 901st goal yesterday and seeing him compete at 38, 39 years old, just inspires me to play for as long as possible.”
“I love this game, I love representing England more than anything and I don’t want it to end any time soon. For me, it is about continuing to improve, being consistent in an England shirt and at club level. Who knows how many caps or goals I can get but I am hungry for more and determined to keep pushing the boundaries.”
“Sometimes it is hard to sink in while you are still playing and while the moments come. I’ve spoken about that previously with some of the goalscoring records but this is one I am extremely proud of.”
“It shows great consistency over a long period of time. Some of the other players who have achieved it are some of our greatest ever players. It is something I am really excited for. I’ll have my family there to enjoy the moment as well. For sure, a moment when I’m retired that I’ll look back on with immense pride.”
Boyhood idols
Although Kane doesn’t know Ronaldo personally, he said he has always looked up to the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar since his teenage years.
Kane added that he’s also a huge fan of Ronaldo’s rival, Lionel Messi, and mentioned that both players have shaped his love for football.
“No. I’ve met him a couple of times at different events but he was someone — both he and [Lionel] Messi — I looked up to growing up.
“There were in their prime as I was coming into the teenage years and probably when I was coming into football and really wanted to improve and get better, not just when I loved football. Both of them were inspirations to me.”
“But I just think to have that hunger and desire and that determination, almost a sense to keep proving people wrong and proving to yourself that you can keep being the best you can be so whenever the days comes when you stop playing, you can be proud have what you’ve done.”
“I try to use different players to motivate me, especially players who are older than me. To score over 900 goals in your career is an exceptional record and to play until the age he is, is really inspiring. I think that just helps and motivates me to know I’ve got many more years ahead at the highest level.”
Kane will be presented with a golden cap during a special ceremony before kick-off.
